Bowling One-On-One with Emma Halttunen: Queen of Spades
The Swedish Bowling League is known as one of the most competitive leagues in the world. The league is composed of multiple divisions with many teams from different cities who travel around the country to compete against each other in pursuit of the prestigious championship each year.
Emma Halttunen competes in the highest division for one of the most renowned teams in the history of the Swedish League. As a successful youth bowler, winning two bronze and a silver medal at the World Youth Championships in Helsingborg 2022, she continues to succeed as a young adult recently winning Gold in the Swedish League this year.
I had the honor of catching up with Emma and I asked her about her bowling journey.
When did you first learn about the sport of bowling? And how did you develop your love and passion for the game as is it today?
“I started bowling when I was 6 years old. Both my parents have bowled for many years. So, you could say that it came naturally to me to start bowling as I have been to the bowling alley since I was a newborn. From the second I started bowling, I knew this is what I wanted to do. In Sweden and Europe, bowling is a very small sport, so being able to practice a sport that not many others do, I thought was very cool and unique.
“The thought of hopefully one day being one of the best female bowlers in the world is always something that has made me push myself to be better.”
The European Tenpin Bowling Federation (ETBF) is the organization that hosts the worldwide European Bowling Tour (EBT), which is one of three tours (Europe, Americas and Asia) that form part of the ranking system of the World TenPin Bowling Association (WTBA). You bowl in multiple venues, one being the highly competitive Swedish Bowling League and also have some recent experience in the PWBA. Please talk about these various venues that you compete in.
“I play for Spader Dam which means ‘Queen of Spades’ in the highest division in the Swedish League. I also play some tournaments on the European tour when I have the time and money to do so. In 2023, I bowled three tournaments on the PWBA. Unfortunately, it didn’t go so well then, but I am planning on going back next year to hopefully get some revenge from the last time. I have also bowled two tournaments on the Asian tour in Singapore.”
This year, bowling with Spader Dam, your team won the women’s Championship (Gold) for the 18th time in team history. In fact, Spadar Dam has been on quite a winning streak winning Gold the last several years in row. In this year’s finals, you were the one with the ball in your hands for the last shot that would determine the gold winner. Now that’s some pressure! Please share your thoughts about the recent accomplishments of Spader Dam and also some special memories or moments that might particularly stand out to you.
“Yes! Last year, my team won the Swedish League as well as this year. Fun fact is that this was my 4th national gold in the Swedish playoffs, and I have never lost a final. The last time Spader Dam lost in the playoffs was 2018. My first playoffs were in 2019. This was the 4th gold in a row for the team at the Swedish playoffs. 2019, 2022, 2023 and 2024 (season 2020 and 2019 was canceled due to Covid-19).”
“One of my most memorable achievements with the team was this year’s gold. We have never played a final that got so close before. It came down to the last frame and last shot which is crazy. I was the one to throw the final shot that would secure the gold. I needed 9 pins for the gold and got a strike. That match I also managed to bowl a 300 so basically it was a dream match that I performed. To be able to do such a thing for our team and teammates means everything to me. To hear all my teammate’s support and all the crows/ supporters cheering me on and seeing the joy when the gold was secured is a once in a lifetime moment that I will never forget. The atmosphere was over the top. A Swedish playoffs final is one of the best things to be a part of as a bowler. There really is nothing like the Swedish playoffs.”
Bowling a perfect game in one of the biggest matches and biggest moments is an amazing accomplishment that everyone dreams of. I’d like to ask you about that specific game. How did you feel early on, and when did you feel you had a shot at perfection? Did you need to make many adjustments? And what was going through your mind in those last final strikes?
“I felt from the start that I had a good ball reaction, as long as I just repeat my shots I will hit the pocket. I had to make some small moves to the left with my feet as I felt it start to dry up, to avoid the ten pin standing. After 6 strikes in a row, I started thinking that maybe I will make 300, because I felt I had a good ball reaction. When I was stepping up to the approach, to start my last frame, I began to feel nervous. Before, I was so focused on cheering on my teammates, and I hadn’t had time to reflect on all my strikes. But when I stepped up to throw my shot, the only thing I kept thinking about was to breathe and make a good shot. After the last strike, I felt an incredible relief and joy. If there is ever a perfect time to make a 300, it is during the playoff finals. I couldn’t have done it at a more appropriate time.”
Personally, you had a slower start than you might have hoped this past season but you worked through it and finished strong. Talk about some of the challenges you faced and how you were able to overcome them. Also, what are some of your favorite equipment that you use in competition?
“My game last season was kind of off and I struggled a lot with my game throughout the season. I think that’s because many things were happening in my life at the same time which made me inconsistent both mentally and physically. But at the end of the season things started to come together. I practiced more, I found a balance in my life and all of a sudden things got better.”
“Something that I work on in my game is my pace. I have worked a lot on my timing and footwork in my approach so I can have a better, faster and more consistent release. My top 3 bowling balls of all time I would say are: Dark Code, Original Idol and Jackal Ghost. Another bowling ball that I have liked much lately is Eternity PI.”
As you look ahead, what are some of your personal goals and aspirations in the sport of bowling?
“A big goal that I have had since I was little is to have the honor of representing the Swedish Women’s National team at an upcoming championship. Championship gold is also something high on my list. I also have as a goal to go and play more at PWBA in the coming seasons.”
Who might be some bowlers you look up to and admire, and why?
“When I was little, I looked up to Jenny Wegner and Sandra Andersson above all. They both bowled with Spader Dam when I was little and have been big profiles in Swedish bowling for many years. To this day, they still bowl for Spader Dam. It’s awesome that I’ve been given the opportunity to bowl with my big childhood idols, as a part of my team.”
What other interests and hobbies do you have when you are not out on the lanes?
“In my spare time I spend a lot of time with my family and friends. They are an important part of my life, and they give me good energy. Otherwise, I am also interested in football or as you say in America ‘soccer’. I follow the English Premier League and the team I support is Manchester City.”
Bowling all around the globe has been gaining momentum both recreationally and competitively at all levels and ages. What advice might you give to those who want to improve their game?
“A good thing to remember in order to become good is that practice makes perfect. The more you practice, the better you get. Then, I would say practice speed and rotations. Day bowling is more about whoever throws the hardest and has the most spins on the ball and almost always wins. Of course, there are other things that are also decisive for whether you will become a good bowler, but with high speed and rotations you can go a long way. Then we mustn’t forget the mental part either. Of all the good bowlers out there, you get further in your career if you are mentally strong. It is the mental strength that separates the best bowlers from those who are just good bowlers.”
Thank you Emma, for sharing your bowling journey. Bowling in the Swedish League takes an enormous amount of work, dedication, mental strength and of course talent. You have an inner competitive fire about you which is important to have to compete and win against the very best. Your passion and ‘never give up’ attitude is an inspiration not only to your teammates but also to bowlers all around the world. I wish you continued success.
“Never give up! Make sure to follow your dreams and never give up. If you really want something you can do it. Believe in yourself and lay down the hard work and that will take you a long way. If you don’t make it, that is fine because at least you have tried with all your heart. And that is something to be proud of.”
(Images Credits: ETBF, ETB, Spader Dam and Emma Halttunen)
