Sam Tolchard, a 37-year-old athlete from Torquay, described winning his first Commonwealth gold medal as a career-defining moment. Competing in his fifth Games, Tolchard triumphed over Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkeple in the men’s bowls singles final at Glasgow 2026.
Tolchard initially dominated the match with an 8-0 victory in the opening set. The second set proved more challenging, as he trailed 6-3 heading into the final stages. A four-shot effort in the penultimate end narrowed the gap, allowing him to clinch a narrow victory in a dramatic finish.
Reflecting on his journey, Tolchard noted the difficulty of enduring past defeats after previously earning silver and bronze medals. He credited his longevity to persistence, noting how rare it is for athletes to participate in five separate Commonwealth Games. The victory marks his second major win over Dzulkeple, following a 2022 World Champion of Champions success.
Tolchard balances his elite athletic career with his occupation as a self-employed electrician in Devon. He emphasized the challenges of being an amateur athlete, often working late hours immediately before major competitions. The win carries extra significance as he follows in the footsteps of his sister, Sophie, who won gold in 2014. He dedicated the achievement to the memory of his father, Ray, who provided him with essential support before his death 22 years ago.
