Born: 1987
Biography:
Rocío del Pilar Restrepo Lugo, born on November 21, 1987, is a Colombian ten-pin bowler who has made a significant impact in the world of bowling. Known for her exceptional skills and dedication, Restrepo has been a prominent figure in both amateur and professional bowling circuits.
Restrepo grew up in Colombia, but she currently resides in the United States. Her passion for bowling began at a young age, and she quickly emerged as a rising star in the sport. In 2003, at the age of 15, Restrepo made history by becoming the youngest bowler to win a medal at the World Championships. She won a silver medal at the 2003 WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championship in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing her immense talent and potential.
Restrepo’s success continued throughout her amateur career. She represented Colombia as a member of both the national youth team (2002-2008) and the national team (since 2003). During this time, Restrepo became a five-time Colombian national champion, cementing her status as one of the country’s top bowlers.
Restrepo furthered her bowling journey by attending Wichita State University, where she graduated in 2010 with a degree in Communications and Broadcast Journalism. As a member of the university’s bowling team, Restrepo played a crucial role in securing championships for her school. She was part of the winning teams at the Intercollegiate Team Championships in both 2007 and 2009, contributing to the rich legacy of success at Wichita State University.
After completing her college education, Restrepo transitioned into the professional bowling arena. She joined the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour in 2015, showcasing her skills on a global stage. Since then, Restrepo has earned four PWBA Tour titles, solidifying her position as one of the top professional bowlers. Her achievements include winning the PWBA Greater Detroit Open and the PWBA St. Petersburg-Clearwater Open in the 2016 season. She continued her winning streak by claiming the QubicaAMF PWBA Sonoma County Open in 2017 and the BowlerX.com PWBA Twin Cities Open in 2018.
Restrepo’s accomplishments extend beyond individual victories. She has also been a vital member of Team Colombia, representing her country in international competitions. Notably, she contributed to team victories at various PABCON (Pan American Bowling Confederation) and WTBA (World Tenpin Bowling Association) events. In 2016, Restrepo claimed the individual gold medal in the Women’s Masters division at the PABCON Champion of Champions tournament in Puebla, Mexico, further solidifying her status as a formidable force in the world of bowling.
Aside from her successes on the lanes, Restrepo has also made significant contributions to the bowling community as a whole. Her performances have inspired countless aspiring bowlers, especially women, to pursue their passion for the sport. Restrepo’s dedication, perseverance, and constant pursuit of excellence serve as a beacon of inspiration to women in particular, showcasing what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
Awards:
– Silver medal at the 2003 WTBA World Tenpin Bowling Championship
– Five-time Colombian national champion
– Member of the championship-winning teams at the Intercollegiate Team Championships in 2007 and 2009
– 2013 USBC Women’s Championships all-events champion
– 2016 USBC Women’s Championships Diamond Team champion
– Gold medal in the team competition at The World Games 2017