Corey Wedlock’s (lawn bowls) maiden Commonwealth Games appearance in Birmingham saw him team up with Aaron Wilson in the men’s pairs as well as Barrie Lester, Carl Healey and Ben Twist in the men’s fours. Despite disappointing results, his only regret was that his long-time coach, mentor and father Glen wasn’t at his side. Glen died of a heart attack in May 2022 aged 56. Corey, who was the baby of the men’s team in Birmingham aged 26, began playing lawn bowls when he was only eight, forging his skills on the greens at the Urunga and West Coffs Harbour club. He broke through for his first singles title aged just 12 and later moved to Sydney to link with the powerful Cabramatta club where he did a greenkeeper’s apprenticeship. Many junior and senior successes followed and he first represented his nation in 2017, resulting in over 100 international appearances since. Wedlock was named International Male Bowler of the Year in 2020 and Australia’s Male Bowler of the Year in 2021 after claiming gold in both the triples and the fours at the Australian Championships.