Scottish player and three-time British Paralympic boccia player Scott McCowan has announced his retirement after 16 years in the sport.
McCowan, 31, made his Paralympic debut at London 2012 and went on to compete alongside younger brother Jamie at Rio 2016 and the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, where he finished just outside the medals, coming in fourth in the BC3 category.
Boccia has always been a big family affair for the McCowans with Dad Gary travelling the world as Scott’s ramp assistant – and Mum Linda undertaking the same role for Jamie. Scott and Gary have been instrumental in developing boccia in Scotland over the years especially in the BC3 game.
Scott has been a great role model for the sport as a player and will continue to be so as he embarks on his coaching journey. Scott is one of the four boccia sportscotland Coaching Futures Apprentices with Scottish Disability Sport and we are delighted to have Scott in the programme. Scott will also continue to be a key member of the Scottish Boccia Subgroup where his knowledge and experience will continue to grow and develop the sport.
McCowan said: “This was always going to be a difficult decision for me and my family after so many years in the sport. But I’m not stepping away entirely as I have decided to focus on coaching and I will hopefully be in Paris to cheer on my girlfriend, Claire Taggart, my brother Jamie and the rest of the squad.
“I would never have had this career without the unlimited support of my parents. They have gone through all the highs and lows that sport brings but I believe it’s time my Dad had a well-earned rest!”
Gavin Macleod, SDS CEO, said: “On behalf of SDS we would like to congratulate Scott on a fantastic career in boccia and we look forward to keeping him involved in Scotland through his coaching role and inspiring the next generation of world class players.”
Greg Baker – who joined Boccia UK this year as Performance Director – said: “I’ve only been involved in the programme for just over two months and in that time I have been able to observe how much insight, experience and knowledge Scott brings to the sport of boccia. He has had a fantastic career, one of which he should be very proud of, and we wish both him and his dad, Gary, a great retirement.”
SDS wish Scott and Gary McCowan all the best for their retirement.