James Claxton Exclusive Interview
We started off our interviewing by asking James to give us a little bit of background on himself. ‘I've been in bowling one way or another since I was 7 or 8 and competitively since 15/16 years old, so well over 30 years now! My journey all started as a child when my mum worked and played in RAF bowling alleys and dragged me along. I started working in the industry at the age of 17 as a bowling centre mechanic, where I became head mechanic very quickly. This slowly transitioned into management and also into opening a Pro Shop and becoming a full time coach and PSO which is what I do day to day now, so I'm in a very unique position in life and to say I love my job is an understatement! During this time I've did many certifications, ETBF lane sanctioning, lane mechanics, AMF maintenance, BTBA badges... the list goes on. The ones I'm most proud of is my IBPSIA certification and ETBF Level 3 coaches certification. In that time, I also represented Scotland at International level in World and Europe Championships and hung my boots up just before Covid, when I realised I had more skills and enjoyment from teaching the game than competing myself.’
Following on from previous question we asked about the Scottish European Youth Team that is going over to Finland this year. ‘I'm very excited about the team I have with me this year. I'm in an extremely lucky position to have 3 coaches beside me in Finland, one being my mum, Julia Claxton, along with my coaching wing man Calvin Murray and a great up and a upcoming coach I've been working a lot with, Gary Harris. Our team of athletes this year is very committed and very hard working. They have been training and competing 4 or 5 days a week since January so as a team we feel we are definitely prepared. Our team really feels more like a family rather than a team this year which puts a smile on all our faces, so fingers crossed this is going to be a great experience for all of us.’
‘Do we have a chance of medals at this particular championships? In all honesty this may or may not happen, there's always a chance right? Most certainly our players will turn heads. However, our long term plan is to put ourselves in a position to be up there with the best in the next 2 to 5 years. Our players have the ability and commitment needed to achieve greatness in the game, I believe we have some of the best bowlers Scotland has ever produced within this team some as young as 13, so I know medals will definitely come to us at this level. Our main focus this year is simply to do our best from the first ball to the last ball, and learn from all the challenges we will face along the way, end of the day all you can do. As long as we can say we did our best, we've won! That's our moto going into this one.’
The Scottish team this year is.
Boys: Aaron Claxton, Ben Wallace, Thomas Carver, Kevin Shaw
Girls Kelsi Cuthbert, Melissa Ainsley, Isla Claxton, Sarah Scott
With James being part of a generation trio of Julia, James and now his children Aaron and Isla we asked him the question of ‘As a family that’s had now three generations representing their country across different categorises explain how proud that must make you feel as a son and father and do you think this adds extra pressure onto your children when bowling in competitions as the name is already known? “We are all so proud of this achievement throughout the entire family. As a father, I literally beam with pride whenever talking about Islas bowling. She has actually become my inspiration with all the effort she puts into the game. With my mum, It's great we are both involved in the sport, It keeps her fit, but mainly gives us quality time together. However, I would add that I get the exact same emotions with all the athletes I work with. I'm so lucky to work with so many athletes that I can honestly say are like family!”
Last Years EYC photo featuring James and his family captioned 1 family 3 generations.
Last years Scottish team brought us all pride and honour on the lanes in Vienna. This year once again Riding the Ditch would like to wish the team the very best of luck and good bowling. The Scottish supporters one the other hand we would like to wish you all a long lasting voice as we hope know these players will give you something to shout about.
COME ON SCOTLAND!!!!