Canadian bowler seeks medal, respect for her sport

Tucked away from the sun, sand, surf and diamonds at the Pan Am Games is an event that is anything but glitz and glamour. For a decorated Canadian athlete, however, bowling very much deserves to be showcased on the world sporting stage.

In the days leading up to the moment she steps up to the lane to represent her country, Robin Orlikowski has been taking in as many Pan Am events as she can, soaking up the atmosphere at various venues across the Greater Toronto Area.

“It’s amazing, all the red and white you see,” said the 36-year-old St. Catharines, Ont., native, who has called Michigan home since 1992. “It’s very inspiring to see that pride and support.”

Orlikowski is hoping bowling, a sport that Canada has excelled in over the history of the Pan Ams, is afforded similar backing.

“It doesn’t always get the respect it deserves,” said the only member of the team (Dan MacLelland, Francois Lavoie and Isabelle Rioux are the others) that has competed in the Pan Ams, back in 2003, when she finished 19th in singles and fifth in doubles. “When you play 20 games in two days, and balance family, work, practice and a social life, people might be inclined to change their minds.”

Canada has won three gold medals, three silver and five bronze since bowling was introduced at the Pan Ams in 1991. Only the U.S. (30 medals) and Mexico (14) have occupied more places on the podium.

Orlikowski brings a wealth of experience to the Canadian side, along with a 217 average. She’s won numerous medals as a youth and adult, and was named the country’s top bowler in 2001, 2008 and 2008. In 1998, she was selected as rookie of the year at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

“I was at Canada House for the medal ceremonies on Sunday night with Isabelle (Rioux),” she noted. “For both of us, it was very inspiring in a lot of ways. You want to be one of the athletes standing on that podium.”

The last four months leading up to the Pan Ams have been hectic for Orlikowski, who owns her own marketing company. She’s hoping the hard work pays off with a contribution to the bloated Canadian medal count. She’s equally hopeful a sport that receives minimal fanfare and press coverage compared to other Pan Am events is able to garner some positive attention.

As for the stigmas attached to bowling – loud shirts, sunglasses, busting some awkward dance moves after a strike, the odd outburst  – Orlikowski sees it through a much different lens.

“This is a sport you can take up when you’re young, pick it up when you’re older, and even play into your 90s,” she said. “It’s great sport to play and to compete in.”

And one she intends to succeed when the women’s doubles competition gets underway Wednesday.

“I want to win two medals,” stated Orlikowski simply.

Bowling fan or not, that’s just how she rolls.