The World Tenpin Bowling Championships for Women is the sport’s biggest prize and has taken place every four years since 1963. This is one of those years, and, as luck would have it, Abu Dhabi is hosting the tournament at Zayed Sports City from 5 – 14 December. We had the opportunity to chat with champion bowler, Aumi Guerra, from the Dominican Republic. Guerra, 38, is the only woman ever to win back-to-back Qubica AMF Bowling World Cup titles.
How did you get interested in bowling?
I am the youngest of four sisters and when I was 13, one of them took me bowling just for fun at a place near our high school. “Bolerama” was pretty deteriorated and closed down shortly after my second or third visit. Sebelén Bowling Center was opened by Dominican legend and world record holding champion Rolando Sebelén, Sr. in Santo Domingo in 1995, I was eager to play and learn. I’ve never stopped learning since.
How does a girl from a small Caribbean nation win the World Cup back to back?
I think I was lucky in many ways during my formative years in the sport. I had a sponsor in the president of our Federation, Manuel Fernández and with the costs for travel and equipment covered, the guidance of our Canadian coach Craig Woodhouse allowed me to develop my physical game to a point where I won regionally and could compete at a world level. I always said, “I want to win something BIG”; the work, commitment and sacrifices involved to achieve that goal were very natural for me. When I won my first cup, the small Caribbean island girl in me knew it wasn’t a fluke. So the next dream became confirming to the world this was no fluke. I broke three world records when I won my second cup (2010 Toulon, France and 2011 Johannesburg, South Africa).
I take a lot of pride in my roots and the fact that I achieved success without having to leave my country. I think the trick is never to stop pushing. If you never give up and always give your best, your chances of reaching your full potential get better and better no matter what odds you face.
Who are your major influences?
Without a doubt, my mom and dad have been my biggest influence. I believe I am the way I am because of the guidance and example they set for me. My father was a revolutionary, a dreamer and a sweetheart for such a tough guy. My mother is a responsible, strong willed very hard working woman. I think I am a little bit like both of them and its kept me working hard to achieve the stuff I dream about.
What is your preparation like for this World Tenpin Bowling Championships for Women?
I have 2 to 3-hour practice sessions 6 or 7-times a week all year round. I am not naturally gifted so I’m still insecure about my game and always feel like something is ugly or out of place.
I work with kids and teens during the afternoons, plus plug and drill in my Pro-Shop most mornings. For this year’s Pan American Games in July, I followed a workout plan at the gym for about four months straight and got into the best physical shape I’ve ever been in but right now, bowling occupies 100% of my time and this helps me keep the focus on the goals I’ve set for myself for this year’s tournament.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I will be working with children and young adults in an environment that is focused on the sport. I can deliver a very important message to the young Dominican bowlers that come across my path. I want to help youngsters get college scholarships through the sport and develop bowling world champions yes, but I also want to help kids understand that the limitations our culture and economy imposes on them can be overcome. You must find the right formula and keep pushing.
