Stephen McGuire

Age: 36

Home town: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire

Sport: Boccia

Events: BC4 Individual & BC4 Pairs

Classification: BC4

Name of club: Boccia UK

Coach: Claire Morrison

When and how did you get involved in sport?
I got involved with boccia back in 2005 as I had a passion for the Paralympic Games. My dream was to compete for ParalympicsGB at a major championships and through researching the Scottish Disability Sport website I came across boccia. The GB lead coach at the time was also the Scottish coach Jacqueline Lynn who invited me along to try. It was the perfect fit for me and since then I have played international each year.

Career highlights:

  • 2016 Individual World Champion
  • 2017 Individual European Champion
  • 2017 World Open Champion
  • 2017- 2018 World Number One
  • 13x British Champion
  • 9x Scottish Champion
  • 5x World Open Champion

How many Paralympic Games have you competed in?
London 2012, Rio 2016 & Tokyo 2020

What are your ambitions in Tokyo?
My ambition in Tokyo is to reach the podium. We have a young squad which is filled with potential, mixed with experience. I have finished 4th a few times at Paralympic level and would like to reach the podium in Tokyo.

Do you have one bit of advice for an aspiring athlete?
Do what you love, follow your passion. There is a pathway for many sports, find what you enjoy then seek out a local club.

Twitter: @bocciabhoy

Facebook: Steph McGuire

Instagram: bocciabhoy