Transit driver moonlights as National Bowling Champion

Victoria Transit Operator Nathan Wymore quit bowling about 17 years ago, not long after Town & Country Lanes closed in Victoria. But last month he was crowned the 2025 Canadian Open Men’s Singles Champion at the Nationals in Regina, completing an improbable journey after rediscovering his love of 5-pin bowling.

“I started bowling when I was 10 and started working at Town & Country in my late teens,” said Nathan. “I started coaching kids and really developing my skills and competing at a high level, but when the bowling alley shut down, I got frustrated and lost my passion for it, so I quit in 2008 after finishing second at the Provincials. I thought that was a great way to end my career.”

But things change. About three years ago he got a call from his old bowling pals that had an opening on their team in Duncan due to an injury, and he jumped back in. He said the first year back was a bit of a struggle rediscovering his form, but he has sure bounced back!

Nathan squeaked out a close win in the finals at the provincial championships in April up in Prince George and headed off to Regina where he completed his journey in fine fashion. Nathan was named National Rookie of the Year, Men’s All-Star, and ultimately came home with the biggest hardware of all, as the national champion.

Nathan performs well under pressure, and part of that can be attributed to his generally easy-going nature. That also serves him well as a bus driver. He’s been behind the wheel at BC Transit for just over three years after working in customer service throughout most of his life.

 “I love driving in general, and we have such a beautiful city to drive around in. Combining that with a little bit of good conversation here and there with customers throughout my day, it’s pretty much the perfect job for me.”

A friend had started driving a year before and told Nathan it would be a good fit for him, but as is often the case at BC Transit, he also has a familial connection to the organization. His late Uncle Ross Wymore was an Operator in the 1990s, and he has childhood memories of riding around in his uncle’s bus.

“He always had good things to say about the organization, and from my experience it’s been a great company to work for, and hopefully my last company I’ll work for.”

While he might periodically drive his bus past the site of his old haunt where Uptown has taken its place, Nathan has come a long way from his days as a kid working at Town & Country Lanes, both personally and professionally. His recent bowling accomplishment was featured with this piece on CHEK News.

“It’s been quite the experience. I’m the first person from Vancouver Island to win the championships, and I think it’s been 23 years since a person from B.C. has won it. I’m still kind of processing it all and getting back to work has been good to snap me back into reality.”

Congratulations from everyone at BC Transit, Nathan!