GOLD is the target as Alex Marshall prepares for a record-equalling appearance at the Commonwealth Games.
The multi-time world indoor, outdoor and Commonwealth Games champion will make his eighth appearance at the international event – matching fellow East Lothian bowler Willie Wood.
Partnering Paul Foster, Marshall is aiming to add to his already extensive medal haul.
Ahead of today’s (Thursday) opening ceremony, Marshall said: “For me, the Commonwealth Games is number one on the calendar.
“It is the biggest event for me purely because it is a multi-sport games and you cannot beat representing Team Scotland in a worldwide event.
“The Commonwealth Games will always be first on the list for myself.
“The World Championships are big events also but it is the Commonwealth Games purely because it is a multi-sport event.”
Team Scotland’s – and Marshall’s – preparations are well under way for the competition.
The Tranent bowler has enjoyed plenty of success at past Commonwealth Games, including double gold when the Games were held in Glasgow 12 years ago.
He said: “Thinking about 2014, being a home Games, in your own backyard, with a good crowd behind you, it means so much.
“Family and friends are there supporting you.
“It is very special to have it in your own country.
“After 2014, 12 years further on, we get another opportunity to have the Commonwealth Games in our own backyard.
“You have really got to make the most of it and get the crowd behind you.
“A home Games is always very special and Glasgow did all the athletes very proud last time.”
Bowls will be played at the Scottish Exhibition Centre (SEC) from today through to the day of the closing ceremony next Sunday (August 2).
Schedules show Marshall and former East Lothian bowler Foster getting their bid for gold under way on Tuesday before the semi-finals and final on August 1 and 2.
Marshall made his Commonwealth Games debut in 1994 in Victoria, Canada.
Since then, he has been a near-ever-present, representing Scotland in 1998 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), 2002 (Manchester, England), 2006 (Melbourne, Australia), 2014 (Glasgow, Scotland), 2018 (Gold Coast, Australia) and 2022 (Birmingham, England).
The 59-year-old revealed that the desire to continue performing at the top very much remained.
He told Courier Sport: “I’m just still competitive.
“I have still got the will to win and, until I lose that, I will keep going.
“It is something that I have done my whole life.
“I have been fortunate enough to spend time in Australia and I think that is what keeps me going.
“Over there, it is more competitive, the events are bigger than here, so that keeps me going.
“I have still got the will to win.”
Twelve years ago, Marshall was cheered on by his niece Beth Riva on his way to gold.
This time, Riva, of Gifford, is also part of Team Scotland as she aims for success alongside Caroline Brown in the women’s pairs.
Marshall said: “She was there in 2014 and takes every single thing in, what happens on and off the green.
“She watched Glasgow and we got photographs taken together with the medals I won.
“I think she knows quite a lot that goes on. She has done her homework on that and practised very hard to get in the team as well.
“I am a very proud uncle!
“She has put all the hard graft in to get where she is and totally deserves her spot in the team!”
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