Q&A with Steph McGuire

Stephen McGuire is a BC4 athlete and will be heading to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Paralympics this summer.

Known as Steph, the proud Scot is Mr Strategy. His experience and skills makes him a knowledgeable and supportive captain of the BC4 Pair which is also made up of Evie Edwards and Louis Saunders.

He is a former World Individual Champion, former European Individual Champion and 13 times British Champion.

We tracked him down to chat Formula 1, why boccia is the best sport ever and lockdown training.

How did you first start playing boccia?

I started playing in 2005 when I was introduced to the sport by a lady called Jacqueline Lynn. My dream was to attend the Paralympics and she was then the GB Coach, so I was fortunate to meet her.

How did you cope with training at home during lockdown?

Training from home was good for me. It gave me time to refocus and rebuild. I have created a home-based gym and got in better condition than pre-lockdown. After 17 seasons of chasing the next event, it has given me a chance to reflect and understand what I want in Tokyo and post Paralympic Games.

The funniest experience of training at home came when I was seeking a space to throw. As I live in apartments, I started throwing over the garden wall and before I knew it all my neighbours were on their balconies shouting support and taking bets on whether I would hit the target or not. It created a much-needed break from the news and I gave them something to enjoy!

 What do people need to excel in the sport?

Boccia is the world’s most inclusive sport. Whatever your ability, you can compete on a level playing field. Boccia is a strategic, highly tactical, precision sport based on solid fundamentals of delivering a ball. If you like watching snooker, bowls or curling, if you enjoy playing chess or other strategic board games…then Boccia would be a good fit for you.

 What are the benefits of boccia?

Boccia is a sport which has many physical benefits. I have a muscle wasting condition and, through actively playing boccia for 17 years, I have slowed down this deterioration. As well as physical benefits there is also a great social element to the sport. I have met friends around the world who will be friends forever.

Why do you love boccia?

I’ve always had a competitive nature and boccia provides me with that outlet. Every match is different and every ball thrown can change a match. It is this requirement of high skill level and the ability to change matches which makes boccia an attractive sport for many.

To have the ability to compete for your country at elite level has always been my dream. To find a sport like Boccia which has enabled me to achieve my dream…well, it makes every day enjoyable and purposeful,

Outside of boccia, what do you enjoy doing?

If I am not training or competing, I tend to go and watch Glasgow Celtic Football Club.  I have been a season ticket holder for well over a decade. I love watching Formula 1; more for the strategy behind each race than the race itself.

Tell us something that not many people know about you…

My other passions are business and charity. I achieved an Honours Degree in Retail Management at Glasgow Caledonian University. I’m a proud ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK Charity which fights to find cures for muscle wasting conditions.

Anything else we should know?

I’m one of three brothers so competition is high between us. My older brother Pete, has been involved in Boccia as a player and now as a coach. My younger brother Ciaran will be one to watch on the TV as he studies at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA).

 Read more about the GB Boccia Squad. If you have been inspired to play boccia, take a look at our Athlete Recruitment.