Stephen McGuire

Started: He took up the sport in 2005. (gb-boccia.org, 06 Oct 2014) Reason: "When I left high school there was no opportunities for a disabled wheeler to get into sport. I just searched the web and came across the Scottish Disability Sport website and it was from there that I got into boccia. I was introduced to the sport by a lady called Jacqueline Lynn. My dream was to attend the Paralympics and she was then the Great Britain coach, so I was fortunate to meet her." (boccia.uk.com, 03 Aug 2021; parasport.org.uk, 21 May 2008) Awards: He was named the Athlete of the Month for March 2016 by the International Paralympic Committee [IPC]. (paralympic.org, 14 Apr 2016) Additional Info: OVERCOMING INJURY In January 2022 he sustained a broken knee and femur in a fall at home. He says that his recovery from the injury was the most challenging period of his career. "This has been the longest break from boccia in my 17 years of playing. To secure one of the two remaining individual slots for Paris 2024 and so close to the Games is incredible [speaking in July 2024]. This cycle has been the toughest of my career. Battling injury and dropping out of the world's top 10 meant I really had to fight back to secure a world number three spot to earn this selection." (boccia.uk.com, 02 Jul 2024, 27 Jun 2022; bbc.com, 21 Mar 2024) OTHER ACTIVITIES He has served as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK. (boccia.uk.com, 03 Aug 2021; rio.paralympics.org.uk, 01 Sep 2016)

Sporting Relatives: He competed with his older brother Peter in the BC4 pairs at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London. His partner Michaela has served as his coach and court assistant. (greenspacescotland.org.uk, 05 Aug 2023; boccia.uk.com, 27 Jun 2022; SportsDeskOnline, 04 Sep 2012; paralympics.org.uk, 25 Jul 2012)