Woman’s Day recently caught up with professional bowling champion and “First Lady of Bowling” Lynda Barnes, to hear about how she manages to stay on top of her game while balancing both a family and a career.
WD: How did you become the first woman to beat a man in a professional sport since Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs?
Wow, that’s a good one. I’d like to take full responsibility for lots of practice and hard work, but there was some luck involved in that match. And we just had a really good time. Sean Rash and I are really good friends and we just wanted to make it a really good, interesting match for the audience, and I’m hoping I put on more of a race for him than he expected.
WD: Your family is known as the “First Family of Bowling.” Do your sons bowl too?
They’ve been bowling for about three years, although I think they came out bowling. As soon as they could pick up a ball they were on the lanes. We didn’t get them into a league until about three years ago. They love it.
WD: How do you stay on top of your game while managing the responsibilities of motherhood?
We just try to make sure that everyone is getting as much as we can give, which sometimes can be a little draining, but at the same time it’s so rewarding. The kids really love to travel and as long as Daddy or Mommy come home with trophies they’re happy.
WD: One of your sons was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year; do you have advice for moms also dealing with the disease?
For me it was finding a support group, because it’s overwhelming and it’s a lot of information. The idea that he has to have insulin to live is very scary. As a mom, the fact that I can’t rub his tummy and make it better is awful. We’re doing the best to learn all we can learn, and we’re getting involved in fundraising aspects for JDR [Juvenile Diabetes Research]. I can’t find a cure myself, but I sure can do my best to help find one.
WD: What’s your indulgence when you find a few extra minutes to spare?
Well, riding on the golf course with my family is fantastic. I just love to watch them play and have a good time. We hang out in the swimming pool a lot, when we have time. If we get the chance we just try to get the four of us together, alone, and just hide somewhere and have a good time together.
Lynda made the quarterfinals telecast of the U.S. Women’s Open last month. Her matches will be airing on ESPN Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m. ET. She is also competing in the PBA Women’s Series as part of the PBA World Series of Bowling in Detroit.
By Erin Easley Posted September 03, 2009 from WomansDay.com
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