THIS lady is proof that the fire in the belly of a competitive sportsperson never leaves - no matter what the age.
Edith Powell from Caernarfon will be celebrating her 93rd birthday in February, but she has still been able to play her beloved sport of lawn bowls at a competitive level over this last season.
As a member of Coed Helen Bowling Club in Caernarfon, Mrs Powell competes in Division B of the Gwynedd Seniors Bowling League, and has drawn praise from competitors and teammates alike.
Mrs Powell said: “I love being at the green. If I could be there night and day, I would. Winning doesn’t matter too much to me any more, but if I can play, that’s what matters.”
Having lived in Rhodesia for nearly 53 years with husband Harri, working as a health worker, the couple were eventually forced to leave in 1984, when troubles began flaring in the newly-formed Zimbabwe.
She said: “When Mugabe said it was time for us to leave, we decided to come back (to Caernarfon). We arrived back home with nothing, no pension.
“But I really didn’t care too much about that because at least I had my husband with me.”
Having enjoyed playing tennis for most her life, Mrs Powell was forced to admit defeat and turn her hand at a new sport when age began to catch up with her.
She added: “I was a tennis player, but i had to stop playing because I couldn’t see the ball coming over the net any more, so I tried bowls instead. The balls are bigger and easier to see!”
Lyn Hartnell, member of Coed Helen Bowls Club said: “She still takes it very seriously when she plays. She definitely plays to win.
“I dropped her once because we had two matches in one week, and she wasn’t happy but she came with us and supported the team.”