Beth Riva watched her uncle, Alex Marshall MBE, at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. In fact, she was there nearly every day. Now it is her turn.
The 23-year-old makes her Commonwealth Games debut in the bowling event with uncle Alex in the same squad and in front of a home crowd. She admitted: “I could not have written it better.”
Beth plays for East Lothian-based Gifford Bowling Club and has competed with Alex in events, but she has been selected for the women’s pairs on this occasion and she already has a strong CV.
The law graduate, who now works with banking giants, NatWest, was world mixed pairs champion last year and runner-up in the singles.
Now she is focused on delivering for Scotland in Glasgow between July 23 and August 2.
Her desire to play at the Games was formed while watching her uncle in Glasgow in 2014 and she recalled: “Glasgow totally turned up for Team Scotland.”
Beth hopes there is an action replay this time and she knows that “world class advice” is at hand if things are not going to plan.
Looking back, she admitted: “I’ve followed his (Alex’s) successes around the world my whole life. I have seen what he has achieved, and that speaks for itself.”
The family connection with the sport runs deep as Beth has an older brother, Dean, who also plays and he is currently bowling in Australia.
She revealed that Alex showed her how to hold the ball when she was a wee girl and they played carpet bowls in the living room.
He give her a few pointers and they have now played together in competitions and leagues.
Only 12 years ago she was a face in the crowd, cheering her uncle in the pairs and fours, and she said: “It was an incredible experience. I loved the buzz around the city. That set me on this path to be a Commonwealth Games athlete.
“It is the best possible scenario for me really with my uncle there and to be picked for Scotland and to do it with family is even better.”
She added: “If I am struggling with anything I know where to turn and I will get world class advice.”
FAMILY AFFAIR: Beth and uncle Alex. Pictures courtesy of Team Scotland
TEAM LINE-UP: Scotland’s team for the bowls and para bowls meet the media in Livingston. Courtesy of Team Scotland
