This feature has been produced in partnership with Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Sophie Newnham has limb girdle muscular dystrophy. At just 18 years old, she is the world number one in her classification and has her heart set on competing at the next Paralympic Games. She shares how her Boccia journey started, how she balances university life with her training, and the community she’s found along the way.

I was only four years old when I was diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy. Physical tasks have become harder over time and fatigue can hit unpredictably. But with regular therapies, I do everything I can to stay as strong and independent as possible. While there are challenges, it’s pushed me to find new ways to achieve things and ultimately led me to a sport that would change my life.

sophie newnham with brother and coach, jamie.

Discovering boccia

I was first introduced to Boccia during a PE lesson at secondary school. I enjoyed it straight away, and by the age of 14, I was competing in my first regional competition. A year later, I chose Boccia as part of my PE GCSE, and that’s when things really started to take off.

Looking back, I realise how lucky I was in those early stages. I found myself surrounded by elite athletes and experienced coaches who believed in me from the beginning. Their support gave me the confidence to take the sport seriously and to push myself further than I thought possible.

Building my game

One of the biggest influences on my journey has been my brother, Jamie. From the moment I started competing, he threw himself into helping me improve. He’s incredibly passionate, driven and creative, so together we’ve developed playing styles and techniques that are completely tailored to me.

Boccia is such a tactical sport, and that’s one of the things I love most about it; there’s always new strategies to explore and tiny improvements to chase. Those marginal gains can make all the difference, and I’m constantly learning and evolving every time I compete.

sophie newnham is 18 years old and is already world number one in boccia

More than just a sport

Over the past four years, Boccia has given me so much more than just competition. It’s opened up a whole new world socially and culturally. I’ve met some of the most inspiring people and had the opportunity to travel internationally. I never imagined any of this when I first picked up a ball in a school sports hall.

It’s not just about winning or rankings; it’s about the community and the friendships I’ve built along the way.

Life at university

Alongside my Boccia career, I started university last September at the University of Sussex. It’s been an amazing experience so far. I’ve really enjoyed my course, and living on campus has given me a new sense of independence, supported by my carers.

Balancing university life with training and competition isn’t easy. When I first started, the structure felt completely different from school and college, and I found it challenging to manage everything. But with support from the university and Boccia UK, I’ve been able to find a rhythm. The university has been incredibly accommodating, helping me access training facilities and making adjustments so I can pursue both my education and my sport.

Reaching world number one

One of the most surreal moments in my journey so far has been becoming the world number one in the BC4 Female classification. It’s hard to put into words what that feels like. To know that I’m ranked the best in the world at something I only started four years ago is extraordinary.

It’s taken a while for it to really sink in. But I know I didn’t get here alone. My success is built on the support of so many people who’ve all played a part in helping me reach this level.

Chasing the Paralympic dream

Like most athletes, I have my sights set on the biggest competition: the Paralympic Games. Qualification isn’t straightforward, and in some cases, you don’t find out until quite close to the Games whether you’ve made it. My goal is to put myself in the strongest possible position, through my world ranking and strong performances at major competitions, to make my dream a reality.

The idea of competing at the Paralympics is something I’ve dreamed about. It’s the pinnacle of the sport, and to be part of that environment would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If I get the opportunity, it’s something I would be incredibly proud of.

Boccia is a sport for everyone

I’d encourage anyone who’s considering taking up Boccia to just give it a go. It’s such an inclusive sport and can be adapted to suit everyone’s individual abilities. Whether that means adjusting the intensity or finding a way of playing that works for you, there’s always a way to get involved.

For me, Boccia has completely changed my life. It’s given me purpose, confidence and opportunities I never thought possible. From a PE lesson at school to becoming world number one, it’s been an unbelievable journey and I know this is only the beginning.