PETALING JAYA: From a hyperactive child who used to slip and fall at the bowling alley, Gillian Lim has come a long way to become one of the national team’s cool and composed performers.
When the Sarawakian Gillian first took up the sport at the age of eight, she would often create a ruckus at Star Bowl, now known as Megalanes East Miri.
“I basically grew up in the bowling alley. I used to run around the lanes without realising how oily they were ... and I would slip and knock my head on the approach,” said Gillian.
“My parents (Tony Lim and Angeline Wee) would even boil eggs and rub them on my head after that. Looking back now, it’s funny, but at that time I was just a stubborn little kid who refused to stay still.
“My mum used to call me her ‘little rascal’ because of how naughty and restless I was back then.”
Now 27, Gillian has grown into one of the country’s main medal contributors, turning heads after winning the 2025 Rookie of the Year award in only her first year competing on the Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour.
Despite the accolade, she described last year as a challenging period.
“2025 was definitely a tough year for me. It tested me mentally and physically,” said Gillian, who struggled to secure podium finishes.
“But through it all, I’m incredibly grateful to have been awarded Rookie of the Year in the PWBA. It reminded me that even during difficult seasons, growth and recognition can still happen.”
Her first assignments this year will be the Thailand Open in April, followed by the Malaysian Open, a tournament she won in 2024 along with the national title to underline her standing in the team.
“For now, we don’t have any tournaments until after Hari Raya, so I’m fully focusing on training,” she said.
“It’s a good period to reset, sharpen my game and build consistency before competition starts again.”
Her main target this season is the Asian Championships in Doha, Qatar, from Nov 10-22. although she knows selection must come first.
“But first, I must make it into the team for the Asian meet,” she added.
As for unfinished business, Gillian believes her journey is far from complete.
“There are still titles I want to win, limits I want to break and a version of myself I haven’t fully unlocked yet,” she said.
“I want to win bigger international titles, especially on tours like the PWBA and major Opens in Asia.
“I want to push my own limits by averaging higher under pressure, performing consistently on different lane conditions, and proving that I can compete with the very best.”
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