Tag: paris 2024

16/12/2024

“It was a year where dreams came true.”

2024 – a year in sport, for Claire Morrison.

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator

What a year 2024 has been for Claire Morrison, a current board member of Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and performance coach with Boccia UK. Claire attended the Paris 2024 Paralympics, helping Paralympics GB reach new heights on the boccia court.

However, the year started off with uncertainty, with Paralympic qualification looming over athletes and coaches: “The year started off with a focus on trying to qualify the BC4 pair (Stephen McGuire and Fiona Muirhead)”, Claire explained.

Things were looking good when Kayleigh Brown achieved her lifelong dream and qualified for the Paralympics. However, this news was followed quickly by a disappointing result where the BC4 partnership of Stephen and Fiona didn’t manage to qualify as a pair. Meaning Claire’s and the coaching team’s plans had changed. “When the pair didn’t qualify the focus shifted to Stephen trying to qualify as an individual.”

For Stephen, things were still looking turbulent as his only option of going to Paris was via a bipartite slot; the first time that World Boccia had done this.

On July 1st, Stephen found out that both he and fellow Scot, Patrick Wilson (BC3), received bipartite slots. To mark a fourth Games for Stephen.

“I was absolutely delighted, because he was sitting 3rd in the world rankings at the time, having won one world cup, having come second in another and won a Challenger in the season so far. It was one of those ones where you thought, there should be no reason why he doesn’t get a slot, based on his form that year, his position in the rankings and overcoming injury.”

The Paris Paralympics started on August 28th, and Stephen was continuing his form, nicely working his way through the pool stages to advance to the quarterfinals. “The quarter final was going to be one of his biggest tests as he was probably going to be facing a Paralympic medallist and he just absolutely blew him away. Stephen just went out on court and played one of the best games I’ve ever seen him play”, reflected Claire.

Next up was Stephen’s semifinal and despite a shaky end to the game, he found himself proceeding through to the BC4 Paralympic final. On the morning of the final Claire said: “I remember saying to him, ‘whatever happens today, it is going to be a good day. You’re going to get your Paralympic medal’ ”, said Claire.

In the final Stephen took the first end 3-0, against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica. The Colombian fought back in the second end drawing level (3-3). Stephen remained calm and bounced back, dominating the third end with five points (8-3). The Colombian had to pull something special out of the bag to leapfrog into the lead. However, Stephen only allowed him to score two points, resulting in Stephen claiming the title, 8-5.

The win for Stephen was a 20 yearlong dream coming true. “It was amazing, it gives me goosebumps now even just thinking about it. All that work, all that perseverance has come together. To be in that moment with him was unreal”, Claire said.

What made the moment extra special was that Stephen’s brother, former Paralympian Peter McGuire, was commentating on the BC4 final with Channel 4.

“At the time, I thought to myself that once that day was finished, that’s my tears done. Then I heard Peter’s commentary piece and that just set me off again”, said Claire.

At the same time, Kayleigh was making strides at her first Paralympics. Claire took the time to reflect on Kayleigh’s debut Games.

“That first game that Kayleigh played, where she went out there and became the Paralympian that she always wanted to be, in some ways for me that was as big as Stephen winning the gold medal.”

Claire continued to say: “She narrowly lost her first game but the way she held herself, the way she embraced that environment was fantastic.”

Kayleigh put in a fantastic shift, to make it to the quarterfinals but Gischa Zayana (INA) put an end to her individual Paralympic campaign, taking the game 8-2.

For Claire to be selected to represent ParalympicsGB as part of the coaching staff is always special. “It is such an honor, I’ve always loved sports and I loved the Olympics but as soon as I got involved with disability sport and SDS, the Paralympics became such a big part of my life, as a spectator and now as a coach.”

“Even now when I go to something like a training camp it means so much when I put my GB kit on, I have to pinch myself.”

For Claire it has been an amazing year. “We hear so much about the power of sport and that has played out so much throughout my life, there is such a sense of pride.”

Now coming to the end of 2024, it is moving into award season and Claire picked up Coach Of The Year at the SDS, Scottish Women In Sport and Sportscotland award ceremonies.

“Again, that is something that I am proud of. Being in the spotlight isn’t something that sits naturally comfortably with me. It has been amazing to get the Scottish Disability Sport Coach of the Year Award and now the Scottish Women in Sport award, purely because you know that I know that the athletes really value what I have done.”

However, for Claire these awards mean a lot more than personal recognition: “It is really important as you know, being in different environments – whether it’s being a women in sport or being involved in Parasport – these are amazing experiences and opportunities for everybody. If I get a bit of recognition, it’s not really about me, it’s about boccia and it’s about Parasports.”

Reflecting on the year, Claire remarks: “It was a year where dreams came true. I know that sounds cheesy, but in a sentence that’s what it was and it’s truly remarkable.”

If you have enjoyed hearing about Claire’s journey throughout 2024 and would like to get involved as a coach, participant, official or volunteer, please contact your Regional Development Manager or contact SDS by email: admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com or call: 0131 317 1130.

Make sure to stay uptodate on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

23/10/2024

2024 SDS Annual General Meeting and Award Winners

The Stirling Court Hotel welcomed a celebration of sport as it hosted the Scottish Disability Sport Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Sunday 6th October.

The day provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the development of disability sport and inclusive practice being implemented across Scotland throughout 2023/2024.

The annual Branch Conference proceeded the AGM, with presentations and workshops covering a range of topics including: how to implement an accessible and effective communications strategy, Children’s 1st wellbeing and protection, athlete support. Paralympian, Hope Gordon, also attended to share her story about winning a Paralympic silver medal at the recent Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The AGM itself, recapped on the success and areas of growth achieved throughout 2023/2024. A full review of the year, highlighting those key areas can be watched here:

Guest speaker, Martin Perry, delivered an engaging presentation which showed his journey from first trying table tennis at a SDS Summer Camp, to going on to represent ParalympicsGB at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in both Para table tennis singles and doubles.

Following this, to commemorate the 100 years since Eric Liddell won the gold medal in the 400m event at the Paris 1924 Summer Olympic Games, SDS is working with partner, Eric Liddell 100 Legacy Project, to recognise and celebrate the life of Eric Liddell.

100 Eric Liddell Pin Badges are being awarded across Scotland and during the AGM, SDS awarded one to each person from each member branch who demonstrates Eric Liddell’s values while developing disability sport in Scotland. The values being: passion (enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief), compassion (humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded) and integrity (discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled).

Pin Badges were awarded to:

Graeme Reid (Lothian Disability Sport)

Ron McArthur (Forth Valley Disability Sport)

Bryan Stevens (Highland Disability Sport)

Darren Thomson (Dundee City Disability Sport)

Eddie McLoone (Disability Sport Glasgow)

Christine Webster (Angus)

Kayleigh Haggo (Ayrshire Sportsability)

Fiona Smith (Grampian Disability Sport)

Ryan Evans (Borders Disability Sport)

Ben Sandilands (Disability Sport Fife)

Avril Starmore (Ability Shetland)

John Goldsworthy (Dumfries & Galloway)

Len Richardson (South Lanarkshire Disability Sport)

Stewart Lobban (Perth and Kinross)

As usual, the SDS annual awards ceremony rounded off the AGM – an opportunity to recognise key members of the community:

Russell Hogg Bursary – Alex Medley and Elliot Cooper

Community Champion Award – Jennifer Quinton and Eileen Ramsay

Special Recognition Award – Scottish CP Football SquadDedication to Para Football

Award – Ann Brown

John De Courcy Trophy – Gregor Anderson

Glasgow Trophy – Ron McArthur

Elspeth Watson Trophy – Isabel Reid

Russell Hogg Trophy – Mark Stevenson

Fife Trophy – Claire Morrison

Janice Eaglesham Trophy – Perth Strathtay Harriers

Findlay Calder Trophy – Samantha Kinghorn MBE

Brian Dolan Trophy – Stephen Clegg

Angus Trophy – Stephen McGuire

Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy – Stephen McGuire

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

21/10/2024

Golden Games: Nathan Macqueen’s Paralympic Journey

By Veronica Buccino

The Lothian star left his third Paralympics Games with a gold medal alongside teammate Jodie Grinham, and now ready to train for upcoming World Championship.

Nathan Macqueen, 33-year-old Scot, returned to his home in Dumfries, following his triumphant performance in his third Paralympic Games.

“Paris was definitely different compared to Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020,” said Nathan.

“Rio was my first Games [after] I joined the squad in late 2015, so I had less than a year to make the team and Tokyo was a Covid Games. But this time I could actually have a proper experience”.

Eight years of arduous teamwork later, he and his teammate Jodie Grinham took home a team gold medal on day 5.

“I’ve known Jodie since I got into the squad in 2015 and it was nice to share the experience with her. Timing wise, competing individually is probably easier, because you get 30 seconds an arrow when alone, but in a team, you get 20. However, being in a team relieves a lot of pressure, when there’s someone else in line with you”.

When asked how it felt to win, he added: “There were some politics that happened in Rio that took me out of the team and they went on and got a silver medal. It was a bit of a sore point that I could’ve get a medal in my first Games but didn’t. It was rather thrilling to be able to obtain one in Paris and do significantly better with the gold”.

Due to the pandemic and the one-year postponement of the Tokyo Paralympics, Nathan only had three years in between Games. He reflected on the training requirements: “The training is hard. There’s a lot of time away from my family, which I think is the hardest bit but it is also trying to get a good balance and I usually manage to do it”.

In addition to the gym workouts, the training sessions can extend from 8am until 6pm, with an average of 200 arrows shot. Being an outdoor sport, inside training with artificial light during winter months can be mentally challenging. Consistency can help a lot: “This is what we do, we have to repeat the same thing over and over again, and it makes it sound really easy, but it’s not”, Nathan added, characterising the sport as ‘the art of repetition’.

For the athlete, it felt extremely important to have his family there in Paris to support him.

“I wanted my family to be there for me, but when that happened, I was also a bit nervous. I didn’t look in their direction when I was shooting, and I didn’t wave at them until after. Now that I’ve got a month off, I want to spend time with them. Then it is back to work. I’ve got the World Championships next year (2025) in September, so I have to get ready for that”.

Scottish Disability Sport Week (SDSW) is something to earmark for this year. The one week long campaign (25^th November – 1^st December) is a nationwide celebration throughout Scotland. The week engages numerous partners across the country and encourages people to get active. Each day focuses on a different theme: the benefits of getting active, overcoming barriers, intersectionality, clubs and communities and how to get involved.

In light od SDSW, Nathan explained how he benefitted from getting active and participating in sport following his accident.

“I just had more motivation to do things. After my accident, I did not want to do a lot with myself but I found that with sport, I had to do something, and without the discipline, I would not be the person I am today”.

The Scot went on to explain the intersectionality of archery:

“It is one of the very few sports where, apart from during the Paralympics and World Championships, you compete against everybody and there aren’t distinctions of Para categories. This is extremely important because when I was younger it was a bit difficult for me to be disabled, and this inclusivity made me feel part of the sport even more, rather than being in my own little category by myself. This is why I really like archery, and I have never faced any societal barriers”.

Nathan wanted to emphasise the importance of getting into sport, in a way that it doesn’t only make you healthier and fitter, but it helps you set goals which is a good mental release.

***

Please note that entries are now open for the SDS National Indoor Archery Championships, supported by The Motability Scheme.

The Championships will take place on Sunday 1st of December 2024 at Bertha Park High School.

Please find the link to register and for full details of the event, here.

The registration deadline is Thursday 21st November 2024.

***

Make to follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website.

01/09/2024

Gordon Reid Makes Strong Start to Wheelchair Tennis Events in Paris

The four-time Paralympic medallist won twice today to begin his quest for more success in impressive fashion

By Paul Morrison

Day 4 of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games saw Scotland star Gordon Reid take to the courts at Roland Garros to begin his events in wheelchair tennis. On a busy Sunday on the clay, the ParalympicsGB athlete was in action twice as he started both his singles and doubles tournaments.

Up first for Gordon was a match in the singles against Sri Lanka’s Suresh Dharmasena. With this Paralympic match-up being the first time the two players would face off, it could have been a tricky contest for Gordon after Dharmasena enjoyed a comfortable straight-set win in the opening round against Austria’s Josef Riegler.

Gordon was locked in from the first point as he was straight off the block with breaking the Sri Lankan’s serve in the opening game and despite facing a break point on his first service game, Gordon held to take an early lead.

A second and third break came quicky after as Gordon quickly wrapped up the first set 6-0, with Dharmasena’s many unforced errors and double faults proving costly.

The same story followed for the second set when Gordon once again cruised through each service and return game as his opponent’s error count only increased. The Scot would go on to claim victory with another set to love as the match finished 6-0, 6-0 in 50 minutes.

Gordon was pleased with his performance and of the conditions at Roland Garros, saying: “For the first match, to get used to the conditions, courts, match play, I’m happy with the start.”

He added: “I love the heat and a bit of humidity, get a sweat on. It’s nice conditions so hopefully it stays like this for the rest of the week. It’s going to get harder from here but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

In the afternoon, Gordon turned to doubles action with teammate Alfie Hewitt as the top seeds looked to start their campaign strong in the hope of achieving gold together for the first time.

They were up against the Chilean pair of Alexander Cataldo and Brayan Tapia which proved to be a much more difficult match for Gordon. Serving first, the Scot experienced a shaky start as his serve was broken, handing the Chileans the lead.

It wouldn’t take long before the Brits settled into the match as while it wasn’t all comfortable for them and were forced to save some more break points, Gordon and Alfie won six consecutive games to take the first set 6-1.

After breaking serve again to lead 2-1 in the second set, Gordon was unable to hold his serve for a second time. The advantage was immediately restored afterwards when the Brits broke to love to lead 3-2 after a third straight break of serve in the set.

A long and gruelling game tested Alfie’s serving skills as they took the game after several cagey moments at deuce.

A collection of unforced errors saw the Chileans throw away a service game to hand Gordon the chance to serve for the match. For a third time though, the Scot was broken to hand Cataldo and Tapia a lifeline.

The British pair followed this up by showing how well they can bounce back from a hiccup, firing home three forehand winners to seal the win at 6-1, 6-3.

Along with the strong performance, Gordon was delighted with the atmosphere that was seen throughout the day of action at Roland Garros.

“It’s amazing to see the whole place and every stadium and every court so busy and to know that everybody is here purely for wheelchair tennis is an incredible feeling and incredible for us to be part of it,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ve entertained a few people and we’ll have the chance to do that again as the week goes on.”

The pair will now face the Netherlands’ Ruben Spaargaren and Maarten Ter Hofte (7) on Tuesday (3rd September) in the quarter finals.

On Monday (2nd), he will be back on court to face Japan’s Takuyo Mika in the third round of the singles after the 9th seed defeated the People’s republic of China’s, Jinhui Ding, earlier today.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here. 

01/09/2024

Scots Add Three More Medals and a New World Record to the Tally at Paris 2024

There was plenty of action on day four in Paris as the Scots scooped up a further three medals and set another world record, on Sunday 1st September.

It was a second medal in Paris for Jenny Holl, who piloted Sophie Unwin to gold in the women’s B 3000m individual pursuit.

“We’ve completed the set now, when you include our Tokyo medals, we’re done!” Exclaimed Jenny.

The pair made their intentions very clear after qualifying for the final with a new world best time of 3:17.643. Although they couldn’t catch their own blistering time in the final, the duo took the title with another impressive time of 3:19.149, a gap of 2.166 seconds to second placed Katie George-Dunlevy and pilot Eve McCrystal (IRL).

“We needed to do something new, we came second at the World Champs this year. We had nothing more than that, that’s what we had then. We didn’t want another silver medal.” Said Holl, the 24-year-old from Blair Drummond.

The win takes their medal tally to one gold and one silver in Paris.

Neil Fachie, piloted by Matt Rotherham, sealed silver in the men’s B 1000m time trial in the velodrome. The defending champion headed into the final with the fourth fastest time of 1:00.543. In order to guarantee a podium finish the pair would have to break the one minute barrier. Despite achieving this and clocking a time of 59.312, teammate James Ball and pilot Steffan Lloyd bettered the duo by 0.348 seconds. A thrilling final and first medal in Paris for Neil and Matt.

“I think we’re both proud of ourselves. We came for the gold but it was always going to be hard. I thought we rode really well all day today, we executed the plan the way we wanted it to. Our opening lap has been mega, but I felt like I didn’t have the legs at the end of the race today and that’s where our teammates had the better of us. It’s the only time they’ve ever gone quicker than us so fair play to them, I think we can be really proud of ourselves, we couldn’t have done more today.” Said Neil.

From the Para cycling track to the Para athletics track, both Melanie Woods and Sammi Kinghorn were in action in the 800m T54 and T53 respectively.

Melanie clocked a new PB time of 1:45.81 to finish third in her heat and bag her spot in the 800m final T54. The Para athlete from Glasgow put in another solid performance in the final, setting another PB time of 1:43.85 to finish fifth.

Sammi Kinghorn had a straight final of the women’s 800m T53 and claimed silver behind Catherine Debrunner (SUI) who retained her Paralympic crown.

Sammi secured the silver medal with a superb time of 1:42.96.

In boccia, the dream of finally winning a Paralympic medal has come true for Stephen McGuire as he progresses to the gold medal final of the men’s individual BC4 competition (Monday 2nd, 4pm BST).

Stephen leaned on his years of experience and kept his cool to beat Davor Komar 5-3 in the semifinal (1-0, 3-0, 1-0, 0-3).

“It’s incredible. It’s 20 years hard work, I’ve wanted this for 20 years. I’ve been working with my coach for 10 years so it’s been a long, long process. To finally get that medal for myself and ParalympicsGB is a dream come true.” Said Stephen.

Reflecting on his semifinal performance, the 40-year-old from Hamiltonn said: “He [Davor] is European champion so it was always going to be a tough game but I just battled. I got the angles I needed, put him under pressure and scored points at critical moments, which was key.”

A Paralympic medal is the only medal that Stephen hasn’t got. The only question that remains now, is will it be silver or gold.

“I’ll certainly enjoy the final. I perform well in finals, there’s no pressure as you’ve made it to the end. I’ve enjoyed the whole event and I will enjoy the final.”

Stephen will face Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica in the tomorrow’s (2nd) final.

Meanwhile Edinburgh’s Patrick Wilson’s Paralympic campaign came to an end when Croatia’s Damian Iskrzycki (with ramp operator, Dariusz Borowski) defeated him 4-1, in the men’s individual BC3 quarterfinal.

“Pretty gutted. I was trying to do the right things but they weren’t coming off. I almost came back in the third end but it didn’t quite happen.” Said Paddy.

Reflecting on the game, he said: “I definitely belong here but at the moment need to put it all behind me.”

“We can never forget the support we have. Great support from friends and family.”

Despite the loss, Patrick (with ramp operator Meredith Greenwood) put in a solid performance in what was an extremely competitive event.

It was a nail-biting quarter final in Para archery, with Nathan Macqueen up for Great Britain in the men’s individual compound. Nathan was beaten by just one point (143-142) by the American Matt Stutzman (the ‘armless archer’).

“I think it was lost on the first end. I shot 9-8-9 and if I hadn’t done that, I would have had him. I’ve shot against him before but never in this kind of setting, final-style.” Said Nathan.

“It’s quite hard, it was noisy – I thought I was up against a Frenchman for a second. I’ll chill now, see my family – I shot really well, it was just that first end. I’m happy and I’ll go into tomorrow (mixed team) with confidence.”

Nathan will play alongside Jodie Grinham in the Mixed Team Compound Open Quarterfinal, tomorrow (2nd) at 4:50pm BST.

Faye Rogers made headlines in the pool this morning by breaking the Scottish record in the women’s 100m freestyle S10, with a time of 1:01.90. After finishing joint third in the morning heats with Columbian swimmer Maria Paula Barrera Zapata, Faye was forced to compete in a swim-off but missed out on a Paralympic debut final by 0.06 seconds.

“I couldn’t be happier. I know I didn’t win and didn’t make the final but it was a huge PB and I can’t ask for much more than that and the first time I’ve been under 62 seconds which is cool.” Said Faye.

She continued to say: “The crowd is motivating me so much. I wasn’t sure how I was going to deal with it but it’s the coolest thing ever. I get so excited walking out and I’m trying to stop grinning the whole time which is really hard as I actually love it.”

It was a solid start in Paris for Gordon Reid, who took the win in both opening pool matches in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles and doubles.

He cruised to victory in the singles first, beating Sri Lanka’s Suresh Dharmasena 6-0, 6-0.

“I’m happy with that as a starting point. He can be a tricky opponent, if you give him time he can strike a good ball so I think I made it uncomfortable for him. For the first match, to get used to the conditions, courts, match play, I’m happy with the start.” Said Gordon.

Gordon, who is ranked number five, will face Japan’s Takuya Miki (ninth seed) tomorrow (2nd) at 11am BST.

The Scot had a few hours to rest and recharge ahead of his doubles game with Alfie Hewett against Chile’s Alexander Cataldo and Bryan Tapia. The duo left plenty in the tank though to take the game 6-1, 6-3.

It’s a fifth consecutive Paralympic Games for Gordon and together with Alfie, they’ll be searching for the one big doubles title that has eluded them so far.

In wheelchair basketball, it was another defeat for Robyn Love and Jodie Waite, after losing to Canada in yesterday’s pool game and today to the People’s Republic of China.

The People’s Republic of China continued their winning streak to remain undefeated in their pool in Paris. Despite a thrilling fourth quarter, the final score read 47-62 (9-16, 13-18, 9-11, 16-17). The result of tonight’s Canada versus Spain game, will determine where Great Britain finish in Pool A.

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.

30/08/2024

Paris 2024 Paralympics: Day 2 Review

Scots seal two medals on day two

The medals came in quick concession on day two of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with both being won in the velodrome (Para cycling, track).

Fin Graham faced off against fellow ParalympicsGB teammate, Jaco van Gass, in the men’s C3 3000m individual pursuit. The Scot put in a tremendous performance but being four seconds off the golden time, he had to settle for silver.

“As we said coming into it, Jaco is the one to beat, reigning world champion and he was Paralympic champion in Tokyo. It has shown he is able to peak at the right time. In this event there is no hiding, strongest man on the day wins and today that was Jaco.”

The duo provided a lot of entertainment in the morning heats. Jaco leapfrogged Fin’s world record just minutes after the Scot set the new world best time.

“It was a carbon copy to Tokyo – I go out, break a world record and then I have it for about five minutes, I barely get off the bike before Jaco’s taken it off me!” Said Fin.

Also finding the podium was Scotland’s Jenny Holl, pilot for Sophie Unwin (England) in the women’s 1000m time trial.

The pair held their nerve as the six fastest faced off on the track in what was a thrilling final. The Scottish/English duo were just 0.3 seconds away from claiming the silver medal.

In other news, it was a positive result for Nathan Macqueen in Para archery, who felt right at home competing in the rain.

“We excel in shooting in the rain. It’s our weather. If it’s like this for the rest of the week I’ll be laughing”, said the Scot who qualified for the last 16 with a 142-138 win against Slovakia’s Martin Doric in the men’s individual compound open.

On his performance, Nathan said: “It went fairly well. My heart was in my mouth a little bit. I started pretty well but I was really emotional – I don’t know if it was because my family were out there. It feels like I’ve won the Paralympics and I’ve only won my first match. But here’s to the rest of it, we’ll put on a good show.”

The 33-year-old from Addiewell will meet Iran’s Hadi Nori on Sunday (1st).

On the boccia courts, although it was a first defeat for Patrick in Paris, Stephen’s winning ways continued and Kayleigh secured her first win of the Games.

Stephen was first up and faced Ukraine’s Artem Kolinko in the men’s BC4 singles second group game. The 40-year-old from Hamilton gave a convincing performance, winning 7-1.

“Artem is a pairs European champion so he’s a tough opponent with a good win in his first game. So in terms of the structure of the group it was important to get that win so I’m very happy”, said Stephen.

Looking ahead, he said: “Boccia can be quite a funny sport – you can have a good day and then a bad day so it’s about staying as consistent as possible. Two wins out of two, I’ve got one group game left so fingers crossed. If I win that one I’m through and I top the group so that’s my goal.”

In the women’s BC2 singles, Kayleigh Haggo took the win against Portugal’s Ana Correia in her second match. It’s the first win for Kayleigh in Paris, recording 6-2 on the board.

“I played fantastic yesterday, I was really happy with that performance. I didn’t play as well today but I got the win and that’s all that matters. Once I knew I’d won the game it was crucial to try and get some more points on the board as that’s really important for qualification to the quarterfinals. It’s a long wait to find out if I’m in or not.” Said the 25-year-old from Ayr.

The win for Kayleigh guarantees her a place in the women’s BC2 singles quarterfinals.

“I came here with no expectations and no pressure so to get into the quarterfinals would be amazing”, commented Kayleigh.

Patrick Wilson was last up out of the trio, waiting until 8:40pm for his second pool match. The Lothian athlete had a tough competition against Australia’s Daniel Michel.

Despite a strong start, taking the opening end by two points, the Australian fought back to win the remaining three ends. The end score being 7-2.

Patrick’s final pool game will be against South Africa’s Karabo Morapedi, tomorrow (31st).

Martin Perry and Will Bayley’s dreams of a medal in the Para table tennis doubles came to an end tonight when home favourites, Clement Berthier and Esteban Herrault (FRA), held on to the lead to secure their spot in the men’s doubles MD14 semifinals.

The British pair looked to have an incredible comeback. After trailing 0-2 the duo fought hard to draw equal before conceding the final game, 11-9. The final score being 3-2 (11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 7-11, 11-9).

“It was an unbelievable experience. To have that atmosphere, however many thousands of us there were against the two of us, we showed our character. We were two points away from a Paralympic medal.” Said Martin, following the match.

“We had all the momentum going into that fifth set, we had played exceptionally well to get there from 2-0 down. We always believed in each other. They are European champions, ranked two in the world. We have shown we can win major medals, we just need that bit of luck.”

Next up for Martin is the singles MS6 competition starting on Monday (2nd).

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.

29/08/2024

Paris 2024 Paralympics: Day 1 Review

Day one in Paris did not disappoint.

The Scots were in action in Para swimming, boccia, wheelchair basketball, Para cycling (track), Para table tennis and Para archery.

First up was Toni Shaw who swam a great heat to secure her spot in the final of the women’s 400m freestyle S9 with a time of 4:53.38. It was a highly competitive race where the swimmer from Aberdeen found herself in a five-way battle for bronze.

Turning seventh at the 250m mark, Toni put in one of the fastest last 50m splits in the field, touching home with a time of 4:48.44 for fifth place. Despite being off the medals, her performance was faster than her bronze medal winning swim at last year’s World Championships.

Robyn Love and Jodie Waite got their Paralympic campaign off to a terrific start with a convincing win in the women’s wheelchair basketball Preliminary Round against Spain, winning 69-34.

Robyn – who’s competing at her third Paralympic Games in Paris – said: “In these group stages, you can’t get too high or too low but I’m so proud of the squad and how we performed”.

Compared to the last Paralympics where no spectators were allowed, Paris is proving to be quite special for Robyn, with her young daughter in the crowd.

“She’s like a little good luck charm and emotional support baby for the squad and she’s definitely part of the team. The first thing I did when I came out was look for her. Whenever I see her face it makes me relaxed because I know that whatever I do, she doesn’t care about the result she’s here to watch her mummies and see her mummies and I went and had a little cuddle with her afterwards”, said Robyn.

Winning ways continued in the boccia with Patrick Wilson (BC3) and Stephen McGuire (BC4 v Abdul Razzaq Abdul Rahman, MAS) taking their opening pool matches in the individual events, 5-3 and 8-0 respectively.

Following his win against fellow ParalympicsGB teammate, William Arnott, Patrick said: “It was a difficult match but I got through it. It was important to get through it. It’s always a bit awkward to play against a teammate but we did it in the right way. I’m excited to get out there and try to get my second win. I’ve got to be good to do that.”

It wasn’t to be for Kayleigh Haggo though, who suffered a defeat to the number three seed Soyeong Jeong (KOR). She lost 3-1 in the women’s individual BC2.

In the men’s B 4000m individual Pursuit (track cycling), Neil Fachie and pilot Matthew Rotherham finished in 13th, clocking a time of 5:33.212 in the qualification round. They’ll next be in action on Sunday 1st, in the men’s B 1000m Time Trial qualification.

Meanwhile in the Para table tennis, debutant Martin Perry coupled with Will Bayley in the men’s doubles MD14, advance to the next round after a 3-0 win over Germany’s Thomas Rau and Bjoern Schnake.

Martin valued having such an experienced partner to play alongside, saying after the match: “To have Will next to me, filling me with that confidence and knowing that he believes in me, meant that after that I felt like I was standing ten feet tall. We fought for every ball and we played some good stuff. To finally get a match at the Paralympic Games means so much to me.”

The final Scot in action on day one was Nathan Macqueen in the men’s Individual Compound Open. Nathan put in a strong performance to finish sixth with a season’s best score of 696, to take him though to tomorrow’s (30th) round of 16 where he will face Slovakia’s Martin Doric.

Looking ahead to tomorrow he said: “It’s the biggest crowd that any of us have shot in front of. It’s going to be pretty special. And to have the family out there is going to be pretty cool. I’m just going to go and do my best.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympics runs from the 28th August – 8th September. You can follow all the action and find out how the 21 Scottish Para athletes get on by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, X and Instagram, as well as on the SDS website. You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.

23/08/2024

Paralympian Martin Perry Credits SDS Summer Camp for Introducing Him to Table Tennis

By William Moncrieff, Communications Apprentice

“To say that I am a Paralympian it means so much to me that I genuinely struggle putting it into words.” – Martin Perry’s Paralympic dream has come true.

Martin Perry is a 30-year-old Para table tennis player who’s just days away from competing at his debut Paralympics Games, representing ParalympicsGB.

Martin was born with Congenital Limb Loss and Deformity, resulting in him having no hands and one leg – this means that he competes in Para table tennis as a class 6 singles player and a class 14 doubles player.

Martin was first introduced to table tennis at Scottish Disability Sport’s Summer Camp. “I hadn’t even encountered the sport before [SDS summer camp]. We strapped the bat to my right forearm with velcro and a tea towel and I just loved it.”

Today, Martin plays with a specially made bat which has a grip that can be molded onto his arm.

Martin still can’t quite believe that he is now a Paralympian and will shortly be representing ParalympicsGB in Paris. “It’s hard to put into words. I picked up the bat for the first time when I was 15, so that’s literally half my life now.”

“To say that I am a Paralympian it means so much to me that I genuinely struggle putting it into words.”

“I remember the ball bouncing past my opponent and hitting the floor, I looked at my coach and said ‘I’m in’. I’m finally so proud to call myself a Paralympian”, said Martin.

With the Paralympic Games being held in Paris, it provides an amazing opportunity for athletes representing ParalympicsGB to compete in front of their family and friends.

“To be in Paris, it’s the closest I imagine I will get to having a home Games”, said Martin.

“To have my family, my wife, my daughter, my friends, my teammates and everyone at Drumchapel table tennis club coming along, it’s just going to mean so much to me as they have all played a big part in getting me to this point. To share that moment with them is just going to be so special.”

Although Martin is incredibly proud to be a representative of ParalympicsGB, he is the only Scottish athlete in the table tennis squad. This offers a unique opportunity to also represent Scotland on the International stage. “It’s an amazing feeling, it fills me with such pride because I am the only Scottish table tennis representative at the Olympics and Paralympics in the modern Paralympic era”, Martin said.

Once he had confirmation that he’d qualified for the Paralympics, many emotional phonecalls were made including to his wife, Siobhan, and his coach from Drumchapel.

“Sport allows me to not feel disabled, it allows me to feel that I can achieve anything and do anything”, Martin said.

“It’s really changed my life. Table tennis has really shaped me and helped me become who I am today. I’m very grateful for the opportunity that sport has given me.”

He continued to say: “I had no idea I could become a Paralympian. Chasing a little white ball around a table, but I have done it and it’s been an amazing journey.”

The Paralympic Games runs from 28th August to 8th September.

Martin will begin his Paralympic campaign on Thursday 29th August with the Men’s Doubles MD14, Round of 16. You can view the full schedule here.

12/08/2024

Macqueen Targets Top Spot in Paris with Family By His Side

By Emma Logan, Communications Manager

As the current world number two, Nathan Macqueen is hungry to regain the top spot and put on a good show for his family that will be cheering him on when he competes at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The Paris Paralympics will be the third Games for the Para archer from Dumfries, after making his debut at Rio 2016. Nathan’s world number two ranking comes after a silver medal at the 2023 World Para Championships compound open. He followed this up this year with a gold in the compound open mixed team division at the European Para Cup (with Jodie Grinham) and a bronze in the mixed team medal at the European Para Championships (with Phoebe Paterson Pine).

Despite the pressure that comes with competing on the world stage, Nathan’s tactic is to simply enjoy the event.

“I just want to go in and enjoy it because when I’m enjoying myself, I’m more relaxed and that’s when I shoot my best”, said Nathan.

“That’s when I’m at my most dangerous to other archers. It’s when I start thinking about the occasion is when things go a bit wrong.”

Despite currently recovering from a chest infection, training shows Nathan to be on top form.

“I was one point off the British record three weeks ago at a competition. It’s the first time I’ve ever shot over 700 (points) in a competition as well, so that was really good.”

Nathan’s family could be his secret weapon in Paris. For the first time he will have family members present and cheering him on at the Paralympics, which is a great advantage for him.

“There’s ten members of my family going out”, said Nathan.

“It’s going to be a new one for me because I’ve never had anyone at a competition before. I normally struggle. In Tokyo and Rio with the time difference and trying to get that bit of the day where you can talk to family and what not but (this time) they’re going over. They’re going to be in the same time zone as me. I’ll be able to see them so yeah, I’m hoping that it will allow me to focus more and not be homesick.”

His family have played an instrumental part in his sporting journey. After his motorbike accident in 2009, Nathan participated in several different sports before his now wife recommended that he try archery, after having participated in the sport when he was younger with his dad.

“If I didn’t have the support from my family then I wouldn’t be in the position I am now”, said Nathan.

“The amount of sacrifices she (his wife) makes so that I can do what I do. So, just thank you.”

Returning to the sport has proven to have a huge impact on his life, outside of competing on the world stage.

“It has given me a focus and a goal. I was always really goal orientated. I was a joiner beforehand so you would set yourself a goal for the day and archery is the exact same. Short term goals, mid term and long term goals. Just marking it out.”

Regardless of his form and his family’s support, you can never predict the outcome of an archery competition.

“It’s a really unforgiving sport”, commented Nathan.

“You can’t control anyone else. You can’t even influence anyone else. You just need to go out and shoot your best. You could shoot a world record and then someone else could pip the world record by a point and you’d lose.”

Despite the challenges of the sport, Nathan advises anyone that feels inspired to take up archery after watching the Paralympics should remember to: “Just be patient and have fun.”

He continued to say, “I never thought I’d be doing archery for a living but here I am. So just try things and don’t be afraid to fail either.”

Nathan will be competing in the compound men’s open category and compound open mixed team, between the 29th August and 2nd September at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. You can watch the Paralympics live and catch up on Channel 4, from the 28th August to the 8th September. More information about Nathan can be found on his website.

ParalympicsGB Archery team of four for Paris 2024. They are standing in a sports hall with archery targets behind them. — Credit: ParalympicsGB

24/07/2024

Archery’s Nathan Macqueen Selected for his Third Paralympic Games

ParalympicsGB announces archery squad for Paris 2024

Scotland’s Nathan Macqueen is preparing to pack his bags as he’s heading off to compete in his third Games – the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Joining him will be Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Phoebe Paterson Pine and Jodie Grinham, who will be 28 weeks pregnant when competing at Paris 2024, will be representing ParalympicsGB for the second time. They are joined by Victoria Kingstone who will make her Paralympic debut in the French capital.

Macqueen, 33, made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 just months after his first international competition. The Scot, who lives in Dumfries, is the current world number two.

Macqueen said: “I’m really excited to be selected in what will be my third Paralympic Games. Taking part in three consecutive Games has not been easy by any means, but I want to keep going and become the Scottish Paralympian with the most Paralympic appearances.

“In comparison to previous Games it feels more real. Tokyo was what it was because of the way the world was at the time. I’m absolutely buzzing to be heading to Paris.

“My wife, son and lots of my family will all be coming to watch which will be brilliant. In terms of aspirations, you always want to win a medal. I don’t care what colour it is but just to be able to give my little boy a medal would be very cool.”

Paterson Pine said: “Just making Tokyo was an absolute dream come true so to be selected for my second Games as well is like one goal after another coming true!

“I’m also grateful the Games are so close to home this time, not only from a travel perspective but also being able to have my family and friends come and watch. Tokyo felt quite isolating at times, so being able to have them all come and support and see them and have a hug if needed is so important.

“I want to treat every single Games as a separate Games. I will always be Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion; nobody can take that away from me. Do I want to be Paris 2024 Paralympic champion – of course I do – but I’m not going to put that pressure on myself. I’m 26-years old, I want to go out there, enjoy the experience and enjoy being a two-time Paralympian.”

Grinham, who hails from Haverfordwest in Wales and now lives in Crawley, Sussex, won silver in the Compound Mixed Team event at Rio 2016. She will be 28 weeks pregnant when she competes in Paris, which is thought to be a first for any Paralympian competing for Great Britain.

The 30-year-old said: “It’s a very different experience for me this time around. You’ve got the athlete in me who’s relieved, excited and extremely prepared and then you’ve also got the mummy in me that’s going to miss home, miss my son and will be 28 weeks pregnant when competing in Paris. It’s all about creating a balance – as much as I know I’m going to miss home; I also love what I do so there’s always going to be a compromise.

“I can say I’ve been in the Paralympic family for eight years now and it really is family – we all support each other regardless of what we’ve gone through.

“I would love to bring a medal back like I did in Rio. To get on the podium, not just for myself and the performances I’ve done, but for women to show you can compete while pregnant and do well.”

The four archers were officially announced by ParalympicsGB at an event at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, the home of Archery GB, and the location of the recently opened Performance Archery Centre where the team have been training in the run up to Paris. The event, part of an international camp with visiting athletes from France, Finland, Hungary and Ireland, also saw children from local schools invited to meet the athletes and have a go at archery.

Completing the squad is Paralympic debutant Victoria Kingstone, originally from Rainham in Kent and now living in Camberley, Surrey, who will compete in the W1 Open category.

The 42-year-old, who won mixed team bronze at the 2023 European Para Championships said: “I just missed out on Tokyo but I’m looking forward to Paris, albeit a little nervous too. The closer it gets the more you realise the scale it is going to be and it’s daunting but it’s about getting the balance right, focusing on just delivering the best performance you can give. Preparations are going well, but with it being my first Games I haven’t got anything to compare it to. I don’t know how I’m going to perform but particularly in my category anything is possible!

“Being so close to home it almost feels like a home Games. My family is from Kent so they’re hoping to come over and watch me compete which will be really nice, and even those that aren’t able to travel, the minimal time difference will make it a lot easier for everyone to watch.”

ParalympicsGB Chef de Mission Penny Briscoe said: “I’m absolutely delighted to welcome our four Para archers to the ParalympicsGB team for Paris 2024. Nathan, Phoebe and Jodie all have fantastic Paralympic experience behind them and I know as a group will lead the way when it comes to sharing that Paralympic journey with Victoria as she makes her Paralympic debut in Paris.

“I’m especially pleased for Jodie who has been selected to compete for ParalympicsGB as an expectant mum – a first for ParalympicsGB and news we were delighted to learn. ParalympicsGB has been in close contact with the support team at Archery GB as well as colleagues at the UK Sports Institute to ensure Jodie is well looked after at the Games and I know she has been thorough in her preparations too.”

Rachel Bayley, Paralympic Team Leader, said: “I’m proud of the whole team. They’ve all worked so hard to get to where they are today. We have some with pedigree from past Paralympics, some that perhaps have some unfinished business, one debutant and some silverware from recent international competitions which is really positive. Whilst we don’t like to talk specifically about medal outcome, I’m very aware of what this team is capable of and so are they.

“Every team that’s going to be in Paris is going to be very competitive and we will be too. I’m confident we’ve got the ability to be there and compete and hopefully that will deliver some success.”

A total of around 220 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris.

At Tokyo 2020, ParalympicsGB won medals across a record breaking 18 different sports – the highest number of any nation ever. ParalympicsGB finished second on the medal table with 124 medals overall, including 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze.

Full Archery squad:

Nathan Macqueen – Compound Men Open

Jodie Grinham – Compound Women Open

Phoebe Paterson Pine – Compound Women Open

Victoria Kingstone – Women WI