Lucy Beere has, in what she called ‘one of the most difficult decisions of my sporting career’, decided not to pursue a place for this summer’s indoor bowls competition following confusion around the eligibility process and issues surrounding personal arrangements.
‘With the support of my family and close friends, I now feel in the right place mentally to confirm that just over a month ago I withdrew my name from selection consideration for the upcoming Commonwealth Games,’ the 43-year-old said.
‘Over a number of months I found myself navigating a complex and, at times, unclear eligibility process.
‘After a prolonged period seeking clarification regarding my eligibility, it was ultimately confirmed that I was eligible to trial.
‘However, by that stage the process had taken a significant personal toll.
‘In addition to the eligibility matters, there were also issues surrounding personal arrangements that had previously been accommodated at the last Games but were not supported on this occasion.’
Beere’s stunning silver in the outdoor bowls at Birmingham 2022 marked the first Commonwealths medal won by a Guernsey competitor since 1994.
Olympic hurdler Alastair Chalmers, who followed up her success in Birmingham with Guernsey’s first-ever track and field medal – a bronze at the same Games – is set to return as a podium prospect in Glasgow.
But the impact of these obstacles proved decisive for Beere, who admitted to feeling ‘increasingly isolated and uncertain about my ability to participate in the selection process in a healthy and positive environment.’
‘While I understand that elite sport can be challenging and that difficult decisions are often part of high-performance pathways, the situation ultimately impacted me both mentally and physically,’ she added.
‘For that reason, and after careful reflection, I made the decision to withdraw from the selection process.
‘I sincerely hope that my experience may assist in improving processes and clarity for athletes in future Commonwealth Games cycles.
‘Athletes dedicate an enormous amount of time, effort and emotion to representing their country, and transparent, consistent processes are important for everyone involved.
‘I would like to wish Team Guernsey every success at the upcoming Games and hope the team achieves outstanding results.’
For the indoor bowls in Glasgow, Guernsey will be hoping to send representatives across four categories – men’s and women’s singles, plus the equivalent pairs events.
This year’s Games run from 23 July to 2 August.
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