Veteran lawn bowler Teokotai Jim of the Cook Islands has been selected to carry the national flag at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This marks her fifth appearance, now sharing the greens with her daughter Emily.

Key Takeaways

  • Teokotai Jim has competed in five Commonwealth Games
  • She is competing alongside her daughter Emily for the first time
  • She was chosen as the 2026 flag bearer for the Cook Islands

Flag‑Bearer Honor

Teokotai Jim, a 60‑year‑old lawn bowler, led the Cook Islands delegation during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Her fifth Games appearance sets a national record for the islands.

Competing in the lawn bowls alongside her daughter Emily Jim, she said, “My family has always been the purpose of my journey in lawn bowls, and to be here to compete with my daughter is a great privilege.”

Historical Background

Jim first introduced lawn bowls to the Cook Islands in 1998, rallying enthusiasts to form the first national team. She made her Commonwealth debut in Delhi 2010, followed by Glasgow 2014, Gold Coast 2018, and Birmingham 2022, where she also competed with her two older daughters.

Her résumé includes a 2019 national singles top‑four finish, 2020 national triples champion, multiple national fours runner‑up spots, and a gold medal in the women’s singles at the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Jim’s continued presence and now flag‑bearer honor serve as a powerful catalyst for sports development in the Cook Islands, especially encouraging young women to aim for the international stage.

"Teokotai Jim’s story epitomizes perseverance and family support that small island nations need to thrive in global sport." – International Sports Analyst Dr. Maria Lopez
Did You Know?: The Cook Islands hosted their first international lawn bowls tournament in 1974, a milestone that still features prominently on the national sports calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: How many times has Teokotai Jim represented the Cook Islands at the Commonwealth Games?

Answer: She has represented the nation five times – 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.

Question 2: Is this Emily Jim’s first international competition?

Answer: Yes, the 2026 Games mark Emily’s debut on the international stage, joining her mother on the greens.