Robyn retires

British boccia player Robyn McBride has announced her retirement from the GB squad.

The BC3 athlete from Antrim in Northern Ireland - who has clocked up medals from World Boccia tournaments all over the world - has made the decision so she can spend more time with friends and family.

robyn mcbride announces her boccia retirement

The 26-year-old has won international medals, both individually and in the Pairs event and reached the knockout stages of the European Championships in 2023.

Robyn climbed inside the top 16 of the world rankings and looks fondly back at her time, representing Britain:

“Winning gold in the Pairs with Matt Berry at the Poznan World Boccia Challenger 2024 - after too many tie breaks that I care to remember and having only being paired together at a training camp in Largs just before the competition - is a standout memory for me. 

“Winning my first international medals - a bronze in the individuals and then a silver alongside Will Arnott - in Veldhoven also hold great memories for me and a huge sense of pride.”

But she is now looking forward to a well-earned break:

“I’m not sure what the future holds for me yet but I’m looking forward to spending time with my family and friends, going on holidays and staying at our family caravan on the north coast more.

“I do feel mixed emotions about stepping away from the squad. I have built strong friendships with many people in the team who I will miss dearly, however I am looking forward to having a bit more time on my hands!”

robyn steps away from boccia uk’s world class programme

Robyn also added that boccia has helped shape her as a person:

“Playing boccia has given me so much confidence and determination. I find I now challenge myself to try day-to-day tasks which I never dreamt I could do before independently. Boccia has also improved my social skills as I find it easier now speaking to others and developing friendships.

“I would like to give a special thanks to Glynn Tromans, my coach. His guidance, support and patience has been exceptional and I have learnt so much from him. Also, I would like to thank my Dad who has given up so much of his time to be my Ramp Operator, supporting me at training camps and tournaments all over the world.”

Boccia UK Performance Coach Glynn Tromans, who has worked with Robyn since joining the World Class Programme, said:

“Robyn had been on our radar for a number of years before she joined us in 2022. She was an absolute joy to have in the squad. Alongside her Dad and Ramp Operator, Davy, her adaptability and willingness to step up and get things done was best demonstrated in the Pairs event, where - at various times - she played alongside Jamie McCowan, Patrick Wilson, Will Arnott and Matt Berry, taking gold alongside Matt at a World Boccia Challenger in Poland.

“I have loved working with Robyn and her family, and witnessing both her growth as a player, and confidence as a person develop over the last four years.”

Greg Baker, Boccia UK’s Performance Director:

“Robyn has been a real asset to the squad and we are all so proud of all that she has achieved. Reaching the world’s top 16 in a sport that is so highly strategic is no mean feat and she has represented Great Britain, and Northern Ireland, so brilliantly. We will miss her but wish her well in whatever comes next.”