A Malvern bowler who lost both his legs and suffered a shattered pelvis in a devastating road traffic accident is set to achieve a remarkable sporting dream this summer. Joe Peplow, aged 66, will make his first Commonwealth Games appearance, representing England in para bowls at the Glasgow 2026 event.
From Tragedy to Triumph on the Greens
Joe Peplow's journey to the Commonwealth Games began after a life-altering accident in 2009, which resulted in the loss of both his legs and a shattered pelvis. However, he discovered a new passion and purpose through bowls, a sport he took up a decade ago after a friend invited him to a local club. Now, he views competing in Glasgow as the pinnacle of his athletic career.
"I am very excited," Peplow said. "It's more than I could hope for. I have been bowling for 10 years and I have won quite a few things but this is the big one. This is the one I really wanted to push for because I don't play outdoors."
A Competitive Spirit Forged Through Adversity
Peplow believes that his accident, ironically, helped develop the temperament needed for top-level bowls. "I don't think I could ever have done it when I had legs. I didn't have the temperament for it," he admitted. His competitive drive was honed during 30 years as a lorry driver, where he worked long hours to provide for his family, often aiming to be number one in sales.
Now retired, Peplow is channelling that same determination into his training regimen. "My attitude to the Games is to go and win. It is going to be hard work for the next three or four months and then we will have a look at it," he stated, adding that winning gold would be "absolutely amazing" and likely bring him to tears.
Gratitude and Family Support
Peplow credits his partner Kim and son Ben as instrumental figures in his recovery and sporting success. "A lot of it is to do with my partner and my son, without them I don't know where I would be," he expressed. "They have just helped me so much, being there for me. My son was 12 when the accident happened so he had to grow up really quickly."
Team England Ambitions
Peplow is part of a 14-strong bowls and para bowls team selected to represent England in Glasgow. He will compete in the men's B6-8 classification alongside Kieran Rollings, a bronze medallist from the Birmingham 2022 Games. Despite being 40 years senior to Rollings, Peplow brings a wealth of life experience and a fierce competitive edge to the team.
Reflecting on his initial reluctance towards the sport, Peplow recalled, "My friend said if I fancied going for a roll up and I didn't think it was me. I kept going and met a group who just played socially. Slowly but surely I got better and better and started playing with better people. It's just amazing to get where I am today."
As he prepares for the Commonwealth Games, Joe Peplow's story serves as a powerful testament to resilience, highlighting how sport can provide a new lease of life and a platform for extraordinary achievement.
