Biography:
Cara Honeychurch of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, is a female world champion tenpin bowler. She won the AMF Bowling World Cup in 1996 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and was voted Bowler of the Year by the World Bowling Writers the same year. Honeychurch’s stellar career in the sport of tenpin bowling spanned 35 years, with achievements that cemented her as one of Australia’s most successful bowlers.
Honeychurch began representing Australia as an athlete in 1989 and quickly gained recognition for her remarkable left-handed bowling style, known for its pinpoint accuracy and finesse. From 1989 to 1998, she proudly wore the Australian colors on nine occasions, becoming a highly respected figure in the national bowling scene. Her impeccable skill and speed control propelled her to numerous victories, particularly in open events.
In addition to her international success, Honeychurch amassed an impressive array of domestic titles. She claimed victory in three Australian Masters championships, the NSW Open, three VIC150 competitions, and the Adelaide Women’s Cup five times. Notably, her talent shone through in open events, where she competed against some of the best male bowlers in the country. In 1997, she clinched her first of three open titles by triumphing in the South Australian Cup.
The South Pacific Classic, considered a qualifier for the Bowling World Cup, was a competition that Honeychurch dominated, emerging as the champion on four occasions. However, she only participated in the Bowling World Cup twice. Her debut in 1994 saw her finish in an admirable third place, paving the way for her triumphant return in 1996. That year, Honeychurch claimed the prestigious World Cup title, becoming just the second Australian to achieve this feat.
Honeychurch’s success extended to international tournaments, where she racked up an incredible medal haul. In events such as the Asian Youth, Asian Championships, World Youth, and World Championships, she secured an astounding total of 23 medals. Among these were eleven gold medals, nine silver medals, and three bronze medals. At the 1997 World Games, Honeychurch added a silver medal to her collection in the Mixed Doubles category, partnered with Andrew Frawley.
Her crowning achievement came at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, where Honeychurch showcased her prowess by winning three gold medals in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. These victories solidified her reputation as a truly exceptional bowler on both the domestic and international stages.
Honeychurch’s remarkable achievements did not go unnoticed by the bowling community. In recognition of her exceptional skill and dedication, she was named Asian Bowler of the Year in 1994 and 1995, as well as World Bowling Writers Bowler of the Year in 1996 and 1998. These accolades spoke to Honeychurch’s excellence and the impact she had on the sport.
Beyond her individual successes, Honeychurch played a vital role in promoting the sport of tenpin bowling. Her participation in the sport’s demonstration events at the 1988 and 1996 Olympics, hosted by the International Olympic Committee, aimed to introduce the sport to a wider audience and pave the way for its potential inclusion in future Games. In the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, Honeychurch emerged as the champion in the Fédération Internationale des Quilleurs (FIQ) Atlanta Bowling Challenge held at Georgia Institute of Technology’s student union lanes.
Following her retirement from amateur competition, Honeychurch transitioned into the professional realm before the 1999 World Championships. Her exceptional career not only showcased her talent and dedication but also left an indelible mark on the sport of tenpin bowling.
Awards:
– AMF Bowling World Cup Champion (1996)
– Bowler of the Year (World Bowling Writers, 1996)
– Inducted into the World Bowling Writers’ International Hall of Fame (1998)
– Silver medal in Mixed Doubles (World Games, 1997)
– Gold medals in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles (1998 Commonwealth Games, Kuala Lumpur)