Meet the Boccia Squad Representing ParalympicsGB at Paris 2024

Excitement Builds for ParalympicsGB’s Boccia Squad Ahead of Paris 2024

The anticipation for Paris 2024 is palpable as the ParalympicsGB boccia squad begins to take shape. Among the athletes selected, Will Arnott expressed his excitement, saying, “I am so proud to be part of this squad. It feels as if the hard work that goes on in the background is starting to pay off and I’m thrilled to make my Paralympic debut in Paris. For me and my assistant, Connor, it really is a dream come true.” His journey from training sessions to standing on the world stage is emblematic of the spirit that drives this team.

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe shared her enthusiasm about the squad’s composition, stating: “I’m really excited to see the ParalympicsGB team taking shape with today’s addition of David, Claire, Will, Sally, and Kayleigh – our boccia squad for Paris 2024. We have a superb depth of talent among our five selected athletes, across individual and team disciplines, and I can’t wait to see them all in action this summer.” Her words resonate with the belief that these athletes have the ability to inspire the nation.

Boccia UK‘s Performance Director Greg Baker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the new faces in the sport. “I’m so proud of the five athletes headed to the boccia court in Paris. Since Tokyo, we’ve seen some key players retire, and it’s been more difficult to qualify than ever before. To see new players coming forward, delivering on the world stage and making their Paralympic debut is fantastic for our sport,” he said. This is a pivotal moment for boccia, a sport that has grown in prominence, especially with the introduction of separate male and female individual events at the Games, further promoting inclusivity and competition.

The athletes’ achievements will rest on a solid foundation of support and preparation. “We’ve had a very productive season with increased competition and international training opportunities to ensure our athletes and staff are as ready as possible for the Games,” Baker continued. “Our focus now is making sure that the next couple of months offer further great preparation for the squad, giving them the best chance to deliver great performances in Paris.” This rigorous training regime surely anticipates the high-stakes environment of the Paralympic arena.

ParalympicsGB‘s success at the Tokyo 2020 Games adds further weight to the expectations for Paris, where the team finished second on the medal table with a staggering 124 medals in total, including 41 gold, 38 silver, and 45 bronze. The impressive feat of winning medals across a record-breaking 18 different sports illustrates the depth of talent within Great Britain and sets a benchmark for the athletes heading to Paris.

The boccia squad for Paris 2024 features renowned players with proven track records, alongside newcomers eager to make their mark. The selected athletes are:

• David Smith – BC1 (Athlete Competition Partner: Misel Kranjcec)
• Claire Taggart – BC2
• Kayleigh Haggo – BC2
• Will Arnott – BC3 (Athlete Competition Partner: Connor Wellfare)
• Sally Kidson – BC3 (Athlete Competition Partner: Hannah Stewart)

Moreover, further additions are anticipated as the team continues to prepare, with Stephen McGuire (BC4) and Patrick Wilson (BC3, Athlete Competition Partner: Meredith Greenwood) joining the squad after successful bipartite applications on 2/7/24.

The task ahead is steep, with approximately 230 athletes expected to represent the British team across 19 sports in Paris. The strength and presence of the boccia squad will undoubtedly contribute to this dynamic group, ready to compete on an international stage.

As the countdown to the Paralympics progresses and the athletes hone their skills, the question remains: can the collective spirit of these competitors push the boundaries of what’s possible? The journey to Paris is not just about the medals but about the stories each athlete carries and the legacy they aim to create.

In the words of Baker, the efforts put forth by the team behind the athletes—the coaches, support staff, and families—cannot be understated. They are the backbone that provides the critical support, crafting an environment where talents can flourish. With the closing of one competitive season and the opening of another, excitement about the potential of the ParalympicsGB boccia team continues to build. Will they execute memorable performances and make history once again? Only time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher, and the hearts of a nation are firmly behind them.