Tag: stephen mcguire

Action photo of Kayleigh Brown throwing a blue boccia ball

Two Scottish Champions Crowned and a Silver Medal at the UK Boccia Championships 

By William Moncrieff, Communications Coordinator 

Sunday the 17th of November saw the UK Boccia Championships conclude. The final day of the tournament had some fantastic boccia on display, with 39 players representing Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland battling it out for medals.  

The seven strong Scottish squad featured in the BC2, BC3 and BC4 tournaments. Here is how they got on, on Sunday.  

Paul McIntyre (Forth Valley) took on Penny Froude in the BC4 playoff. After a closely fought match Penny came out victorious, defeating Paul 3 -2. Paul returned later on in the day in the 5th/6th place play off against fellow Scot, Tyler McLelland. It was an extremely close match, going to a tiebreak. Paul went on to win the tie break seeing him finish in 5th place overall (4-4) 

Tyler McLelland (Fife) kicked off his final day taking on Louis Saunders in the BC4 playoff. Narrowly losing 3-2, Tyler ended up finishing in  6th place in the BC4 after a hard fought match in the playoff. 

The day continued on for the McIntyre brothers with Scott taking on Jayne Milligan in the BC4 7th/8th place playoff. Unfortunately, Scott lost 7-8 in a close game, the Forth Valley boccia player will be returning home with an 8th place in the BC4. 

Alex Medley from Perth and Kinross won his final match of the week, 6 – 4 to see him cap off his championship with a 7th place finish in the BC2. 

Ayrshire’s Kayleigh Brown (nee Haggo) won her first match of the day against James Clowes (7-1) to advance through to the BC2 final, against Reshad Saraj. 

It was an intense final with the last ball deciding the medals. Reshad took the gold with Kayleigh settling for silver.  

Fellow Paris 2024 Paralympians – Patrick Wilson and Stephen McGuire – put on a cracking show in the BC3 and BC4 finals.  

After success in the semifinal (beating Sally Kidson 4-3), Paddy faced William Arnott in the BC3 final. As expected, it was a closely contested game but the Scot put in a stellar performance to bag his second UK Championship title of his career. 

After a 10 – 1 win over Penny Froude, Stephen faced Sophie Newnham in his final. Sophie made the Paralympic champion work hard in the BC4 final which proved to be yet another, very close and riveting face-off which came down to the last balls of play. A bit of luck was on Stephen’s side as he took the title, 3-2. 

Many thanks to all the athletes, assistants, coaches, officials, volunteers that made the Championships such a huge success.  

SDS would also like to say a huge thank you to all the event sponsors: Associated Seafoods Ltd, BioMar Ltd, Blackadders LLP, Blacks Haulage Solutions Ltd, Cefetra Ltd, Glenarm Organic Salmon, Inverlussa Marine Services, Loch Duart Ltd, LCL Shipping Ltd and Mowi Scotland. Without you, the UK Boccia Championships would not have been possible.  

If you missed the championships or would be interested in catching up on some of the action, you can watch the livestream from court three: day one and day two.  

Stephen McGuire throwing a red boccia ball as Tyler McLelland watches

Day 1 Review: UK Boccia Championships 2024

The Scots put on a good show on the opening day of the UK Boccia Championships 

 Day one of the UK Boccia Championships got off to a great start, with the Scottish contingency racking up several wins in the pool stages. 

Here’s an overview of how the seven Scots got on –  

 

BC2 

  • Kayleigh Brown 1 – 3 v Luke Walsh, 6 – 5 v Jason Rolph, 6 – 1 v Tomas Martin. 
  • Alex Medley 2 – 7 James Clowes, 11 – 1 v Sian Jones, 0 – 11 v Reshad Seraj  

 

BC3 

  • Patrick Wilson 8 – 4  v Mark Roderick, 3 –3 v Lee Croker (tiebreak). 

 

BC4 

  • Stephen McGuire 17 – 0 v Harrison Smith, 19 – 0 Lewis Crawford, 7 – 2 v Tyler McLelland. 
  • Tyler McLelland 8 – 2 Lewis Crawford,10 – 1 v Harrison Smith. 
  • Paul McIntyre 2 – 4 Louis Saunders, 10 – 0 Scott McIntyre. 
  • Scott McIntyre 0 – 4 v Louis Saunders. 

 

The competition will resume on Sunday 17th November, with play-off games followed by semifinals, finals A and B.

You can follow the action live on the SDS website via the live results page and livestream (available Sunday morning), as well as seeing behind-the-scenes content posted across the SDS social media accounts (FacebookInstagram and X). 

 

Useful documents – 

UK Boccia Championships 2024 Competition Guide

Saturday 16th November 2024 schedule.

Sunday 17th November 2024 schedule.

To view the Live Scoring document click here.

Stephen McGuire smiling with the Union Jack flag wrapped around his shoulders

Scottish Boccia Athlete Wins Paris 2024 Paralympics Gold Medal on Day 5

Scottish boccia star Stephen McGuire wins gold for ParalympicsGB and his first ever Paralympic medal.

By Bethany Lee 


Scotland’s Stephen McGuire just won a 2024 Paralympics gold medal on day five in Paris. 

The star from Hamilton dominated the men’s BC4 individual final against Columbia’s Edilson Chica Chica – which marked the inaugural final for this boccia category at a Paralympic Games.  

There was not a dry eye in the audience of GB supporters, or the thousands watching on the livestream, as Stephen celebrated his win. 

“I’ve played this sport for 20 years and I’ve been in every possible final, apart from the Paralympics, I’ve never even been to the podium. I was starting to feel this event was getting away from me, two fourths in London, another fourth in Rio, I didn’t even make the semis in Tokyo, it just shows why you should never give up,” said Stephen. 

Despite drawing three all by the second end, Stephen took a magnificent lead in the third, dominating the game after a few mistakes from Chica Chica. 

His victory looked almost certain by the final end, but Stephen kept his cool, bringing it home with an 8-3 win and securing the gold medal.  

Stephen said: “I felt really confident in the final. My flatmate is David Smith and he’s won three golds, he told me to have no regrets and told me not to settle for silver, just go for it.” 

Stephen’s older brother and boccia player, Peter McGuire, commentated on the game for Channel 4. As Stephen took the win, Peter got emotional.  

When asked what this means for him and his family, Peter tearfully said: “I can’t describe it right now, it means not only acceptance, but we’re here and we’re strong. It’s hard to put into words.” 

The victory comes after an incredible Paralympics for Stephen, only losing one game the entire tournament. 

“There wasn’t many nerves, there were more in the semi-final because I’ve lost the last three. It’s a Paralympic final, I may never reach another one, so I told myself to enjoy it,” Stephen said. 

Stephen has been working towards this for twenty years, finishing fourth at three previous Paralympic Games and coming back from a knee injury in 2021. He has had an amazing year in the sport, winning 17 out of his previous 18 international matches. However, qualifying for Paris 2024 was never guaranteed. 

“The easiest way to qualify [for the Paralympics] is through the pairs but I didn’t make it, so I had to focus everything on the individual. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of soul searching and I was the last person to be named on this team, the others knew months ago. It’s been an unbelievable season, I’ve made a final in every competition I’ve entered.” 

 A well-deserved win in Paris for Stephen and for ParalympicsGB. 

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  

Stephen McGuire on the podium biting his gold medal

After 20 years of Chasing a Paralympic Medal, Stephen McGuire Gets Paralympic Gold 

Scotland’s Stephen McGuire wins inaugural BC4 boccia gold ahead of Nathan Macqueen’s gold in Para archery, on day five of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

It’s been the perfect Games for Stephen McGuire in Paris, who ends his fourth Paralympic Games with a gold medal in the men’s individual BC4.  

A Paralympic medal was the only medal that the Scot had never won. He had been chasing this dream for 20 years and finally, on Monday 2nd September, he was crowned Paralympic champion. 

“I’ve played this sport for 20 years and I’ve been in every possible final, apart from the Paralympics, I’ve never even been to the podium. I was starting to feel this event was getting away from me, two fourths in London, another fourth in Rio, I didn’t even make the semis in Tokyo, it just shows why you should never give up.” Said Stephen. 

Stephen got off to a great start to take the first end 3-0, against Colombia’s Edilson Chica Chica.   

The Colombian fought back in the second end though to draw level at the halfway point (3-3). Stephen needed to bounce back and lean on his years of experience to get himself back in front. The Scot did exactly that – he remained calm and dominated the third end with a further 5 points (8-3). 

The Colombian had to pull something special out of the bag to leapfrog into the lead. However, Stephen only allowed his opponent to score two points after strategically setting up some good block balls. 

Errors made by Edilson in the first and third ends proved critical and Stephen claimed the title, with a final score of 8-5.  

The Para athlete from Hamilton went on to say: “The easiest way to qualify is through the pairs but I didn’t make it, so I had to focus everything on the individual. It was a lot of hard work, a lot of soul searching and I was the last person to be named on this team, the others knew months ago. It’s been an unbelievable season, I’ve made a final in every competition I’ve entered. 

“There wasn’t many nerves, there were more in the semi-final because I’ve lost the last three. It’s a Paralympic final, I may never reach another one, so I told myself to enjoy it.” 

The Scots won a second gold medal on day five of the Games thanks to Nathan Macqueen and teammate Jodie Grinham (ENG), who showed great composure on their way to bagging gold in the mixed team compound open, in Para archery.  

Their path to the podium followed a 150-141 over Australia in the quarterfinals and a new Paralympic record in the semifinals against Italy with a score of 156 (v 149).  

The duo looked solid heading into the gold final where they faced Fatemeh Hemmati and Hadi Nori (IRI). The pair shot some incredible arrows in very tense moments. They kept their cool to take the Paralympic title, winning 155-151.  

“It’s pure relief. This is my third Games and I hadn’t medalled. We are both parents now and there is a lot of sacrifice being a high-performance athlete, being away from your children. They are the hardest bits but this has made it all worth it, I can give my wee boy a medal.” Said the Scotsman. 

Sammi Kinghorn and Melanie Woods were racing in the same event today on the Para athletics track. The Scottish duo clocked 3:34.83 and 3:20.70 respectively, to seal their places in tomorrow’s 1500m T54 final.  

Just one year after giving birth to her son, Alison Peasgood delivered a terrific swim-bike-run to finish fourth in the women’s Para triathlon PTVI (vision impairment). Alison, with guide Brooke Gillies, clocked a time of 1:09:21.  

“I’m just completely overwhelmed.” Said Alison after the race.  

Despite Paris being Alison’s third Paralympic Games (Rio 2016 silver, Tokyo 2020 4th), it is the first time she has been guided by 26-year-old fellow Scot, Brooke, at a Paralympics.

“Give me a whole year and I’ll be fully fit but I’m just so proud of Brooke for supporting me through this.” Alison said.  

Reflecting on the past year, the 36-year-old Para athlete from Dunfermline said: “It’s been a rollercoaster, there’s nothing you can compare it to. There are days where you feel amazing, there’s days where you feel awful but ultimately no matter what I do I know Logan (son) is going to want to play with me. He’s here, probably fast asleep somewhere.” 

In Para table tennis, Martin Perry’s Paralympic campaign concluded in Paris after a defeat in the men’s singles SM6, last 16.  

Ian Seidenfeld of USA got the better of Martin in each set, 11-5, 11-5, 11-9.  

“This has been the highlight of my career and up there with one of the best experiences of my life”, Martin said.  

“This whole experience has been everything I’ve wanted it to be and more despite the results. Obviously they would have been the cherry on top but the whole experience and privilege of being at the Paralympics and representing my country at the highest level is a honour I will never forget.” 

Gordon Reid continued his winning ways in the men’s wheelchair tennis singles.  

Gordon used his extensive experience to ease through to the quarter finals with a comfortable 6-1, 6-1 win against Japan’s Takuya Miki. 

He will face the talented Argentinian Gustavo Fernandez in the last eight. Gustavo has the slight edge in head-to-head matches over the 58 times (27 v 31) they have played each other. 

Reid will very much see this as the business end of the event beginning now and a chance to get to the final four in what will undoubtedly be a tough fixture.

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.  

Kayleigh Haggo shakes the hand of her opponent after her boccia game

Boccia Success Continues on Day 2 of the Paris 2024 Paralympics

Two out of three Scottish boccia athletes won their matches on Day 2 in Paris. 

By Bethany Lee 


It was another intense day for ParalympicsGB’s Scottish boccia athletes. 

Stephen McGuire continued his winning streak and Kayleigh Haggo was victorious after a nail-bitting game. Patrick Wilson faced a tough match against the current world number one in the BC3 men’s division. 

This morning, Stephen McGuire had his second win in the men’s individual BC4 game against Ukraine’s Artemis Kolinko. 

He took an immediate lead with strategic shots and confidently closed the game with a 7-1 win. 

Stephen said: “Artem is a pairs European champion so he’s a tough opponent. In terms of the structure of the group it was important to get that win so I’m very happy.” 

“The dream is to get a medal for Paralympics GB. I’m just going to keep going through the rounds and see where that takes me. There’s less nerves this time out and I think that comes down to experience.” 

Today’s win follows Stephen’s victorious 8-0 game yesterday. 

He said: “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.” 

Continuing Scotland’s success, Kayleigh Haggo returned to the court for the women’s individual BC2 game against Portugal’s Ana Correia. 

After a close start, the fourth end saw Kayleigh secure a sweeping 6-2 win. 

Kayleigh said: “I feel amazing. To get the first win, I can’t believe it. 

“I’m really happy I’ve used what I’ve learned – I’ve played Ana three times in the last six months and won all three despite her being ranked higher than me. So it gives me a lot of confidence going forward.” 

A busy day awaits Kayleigh tomorrow with the women’s individual BC2 quarterfinal. 

She said: “I came here with no expectations and no pressure so to get into the quarterfinal would be amazing.” 

The day ended with Patrick Wilson’s tough match against Daniel Michel (AUS), number one in the world in men’s BC3. 

Australia are favourites in boccia at this year’s Paris 2024 Paralympics, and David is amongst their best competitors. 

Despite leading strong with 2 points in the first end, Patrick missed out on the win by 7-2. 

“He is the best in the world right now and he had to be at his best to beat me. I’m not out by any means so I come back tomorrow. I could be out tomorrow or be in – anything is possible. I had fun, I had a good time. That is why we come – for that.”

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 .  

You can catch all the action on Channel 4. More information here.