 At the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland, Dowman recorded a best distance of , a personal best, in winning the bronze medal in the women's long jump, behind Yvette Williams and Judy Canty.She also competed in the women's 100 yards, being eliminated in the semi-finals.In the 660 yards relay, Dowman was in the New Zealand team alongside Lesley Rowe, Dorothea Parker and Shirley Hardman, but the quartet was disqualified after the baton was dropped and incorrectly retrieved at the final exchange.