Paralympian Jess Hunter announces her retirement

Paralympian Jess Hunter has announced her retirement from Boccia, the precision ball game unique to para-sport.

Hunter, from Staines in Middlesex, took up the sport when at Treloars College aged 13 and quickly progressed to the England Squad. In 2010 she was invited to attend a UK Boccia Talent Day where her decision-making skills and aggressive style of play quickly became apparent and led to her joining the first Fast Track Talent Programme. After graduating from this, she joined the World Class Programme and made her international debut in 2011 at the World Cup in Belfast.

Aged just 20, she was selected for the ParalympicsGB team for the London 2012 Paralympic Games and, with teammates Jacob Thomas and Scott McCowan, finished fifth in the BC3 Pair event. Her skill and engaging personality meant that she was also one of the athletes chosen to help promote the sport in the lead up to the Games, including taking on Channel 4’s Jon Snow in a match.

In 2013, Jess was part of the same Pair that finished 3rd in the European Championships, and also delivered her best individual performance, finishing 4th in the Individual Event. These performances marked the emergence of Great Britain as a serious contender for medals and at a global level. Jess remained an active member of the World Class Programme, and in 2019 returned to competitive action as part of the BC3 Pair that won bronze medals at the European Championships in Seville, this time alongside Jamie McCowan and Patrick Wilson.

Reflecting on her time in the sport, Jess said: “I’ve loved the sport and it has given me so much. I’ve travelled around the world and met many fantastic people. Being in an elite sport is challenging and sometimes tough but it has been an honour to represent my country and I’ll take with me many happy memories”

Glynn Tromans, UK Boccia Performance Coach said: “I first met Jess in 2010 prior to the first UK Boccia Fast Track Talent Programme. This led to almost a decade on the World Class Programme but it was clear from the start that she was both very determined and very strong. Her attitude was one of fearlessness. Guiding Jess through her first World Cup; the London Paralympic Games; and subsequent European and World Championships was a pleasure. Her presence in the sport will be missed.”

Helen Nicholls, UK Boccia Performance Director said: “Jess has been a key athlete in the Boccia UK World Class Programme for over 10 years.  Her ambition, drive and ability have moved the sport forwards and Jess had been an example to her fellow Teammates. She has changed perceptions about disability both within and outside of the World Class Programme and it has been a pleasure having Jess as an athlete within the sport. We wish Jess every success with her future endeavours and will always remain part of our Boccia family.