Paralympian retires after 16 year career

Three-time British Paralympic boccia player Scott McCowan has today announced his retirement after 16 years in the sport.

McCowan, 31, made his Paralympic debut at London 2012 and went on to compete alongside younger brother, Jamie at Rio 2016 and the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games, where he finished just outside the medals in fourth in the BC3 category.

Scott McCowan competing at Tokyo 2020 - his third Paralympic Games

Boccia has always been a big family affair for the McCowans with Dad, Gary, travelling the world as Scott’s ramp assistant – and Mum, Linda, undertaking the same role for Jamie. In fact, the foursome all appeared on court as Scott and Jamie drew each other in their first-round pool match in Tokyo.

McCowan has become a firm fixture on the international circuit and has won medals at the European Championships and the World Championships in the BC3 Pair. But McCowan is now turning his attentions to coaching.

McCowan said:

“This was always going to be a difficult decision for me and my family after so many years in the sport but the time is right for me now to retire because although my desire to compete remains, I no longer have the drive needed for the hours of commitment required to compete at this level and have other things in my life that I want to pursue more. However, I’m not stepping away entirely as I have decided to focus on coaching and I will hopefully be in Paris to cheer on my girlfriend, Claire, my brother Jamie and the rest of the squad.

The McCowan family who appeared on court together at Tokyo 2020

It is no secret that I could not have had the career that I have had without the unlimited support from my parents, and I know without a doubt that nobody could come close to reaching the level that my Dad has maintained throughout the years so I must thank them. I believe it’s time that my Dad had a well-earned rest, as he also has lost the desire to dedicate the same amount of time to trying to compete with the best in the world.”

Glynn Tromans, Performance Coach, said:

“I’ve coached Scott for more than a decade and he and his family have shown huge dedication which has maintained his place as one of the world’s best BC3 boccia players. He is a fierce and uncompromising competitor with incredible tactical skills and will be a huge asset to the sport as a coach bringing on the next generation of talent.”

Greg Baker – who joined Boccia UK this year as Performance Director – said:

“I’ve only been involved in the programme for just over two months and in that time I have been able to observe how much insight, experience and knowledge Scott brings to the sport of Boccia. He has had a fantastic career, one of which he should be very proud of, and we wish both him and his dad, Gary, a great retirement.”