Washington, Mar. 21 : A 38-year-old Down Syndrome victim, who has been bowling for 30 years, has said President Barack Obama needs to practice more if he wants to bring his recent score of 129 anywhere close to his average of 165.

Tim Maloney, who has won awards for his bowling in the Special Olympics, has urged Obama to focus and practice more to improve his score.

Maloney's comment came a day after Obama had joked that his bowling ability was suitable for the Special Olympics, a comment, which invited strong criticism from the physically, visually and mentally challenged communities, as also parents and relatives of such victims and politicians.

"Focus, take his time, and relax" were the simple-but-effective tips Maloney offered the president in a phone interview Friday with FOXNews. com from his home in suburban Milwaukee. "Keep your eyes on the alley."

Maloney also competes in basketball, golf and track and field. In 2007, he won the gold in the 800-meter speed walk and a silver in the 400 meter speed walk at the international Special Olympics in China.

But Maloney said he enjoys bowling most, because "I stay around my dad and my friends and loved ones."

Maloney comes from a bowling family. His father, Larry Maloney, said he bowls a 190; his mother, Nancy bowls a 160; and his sister, Shawn, who also competes in the Special Olympics, bowls a 125.

On his way back to Washington on Air Force One, Obama called the chairman of the Special Olympics, Tim Shriver, to say he was sorry -- even before the taped episode of the "Tonight Show" aired late Thursday night.

Shriver accepted his apology but told FOX News on Friday that the joke still stung. (ANI)