Pairs perfection and world‑level focus: Stephen McGuire’s season review

We’re continuing our Boccia UK Q&A Series with another giant of the sport - Stephen McGuire, Paralympic gold medallist, World number one, European Champion and one of the most experienced BC4 athletes in the world.

Last season brought some huge moments for Stephen: double gold at the European Championships and a clean sweep of Pairs titles with Sophie Newnham. He reflects on the lessons learned, the toughest matches, and the training environment that keeps pushing him forward.

stephen mcguire winning gold at the european championships

From refining tactical control to preparing for a landmark World Championships in Korea, Stephen shares an honest look at what drives him, what he’s working on, and why experience - and enjoyment - matter more than ever.

Last season highlight - What was your best moment from last season?

I had a couple of standout moments that I’m really proud of. Winning double gold at the European Championships was incredibly special. However, what really stands out is that Sophie and I won gold at every Pairs event we entered last year. Watching Soph progress to world number one, andus finishing 2025 with both the male and female BC4 world number ones, is something that takes incredible consistency and belief.

Tough matchest - What was the hardest match you played and why?

The toughest match of 2025 was against Hong Kong at the World Cup in Korea. Both Pairs were packed with regional champions and Paralympic medallists. We performed really well, even though Hong Kong came out on top. It was one of those matches where, despite the result, we learned the most.

Big lesson - What important lesson did you learn last season?

As I get older in the sport, I’ve realised how important it is to cherish every moment representing my country. It’s about celebrating every medal and celebrate enjoying the success of your teammates as much as your own.

stephen mcguire and sophie newnham who won every pairs competition they entered in 2025.

Team support - How did your coaches or teammates help you last season?

We have a very close training group in Scotland. We meet weekly, and the environment is ideal for learning, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other. That positive environment set domestically makes a huge difference.

Favourite event - Which event did you enjoy the most and what made it special?

The World Cup in Korea was my favourite event. Everything ran so smoothly, and the volunteers made it a really special and inspiring experience. It definitely left me excited and hopeful to return this year for the World Championships.

stephen mcguire can’t wait to return to seoul for the world boccia championships

Training focus - What have you been working on most during winter training?

I’ve been focusing on controlling the court more effectively and developing stronger tactical plans for the upcoming season.

Motivation - What keeps you going on days when training feels hard?

Winter training in Scotland can be tough, especially with muscular dystrophy because of the colder conditions. What keeps me going is the love of competition. Boccia also takes us to some amazing, often warmer countries. That definitely helps as I enjoy the heat!

Season aims - What do you want to achieve this season?

We’ve set some ambitious targets this season. In Pairs, we want to build on last year’s success and climb even higher in the rankings (Stephen and Sophie are currently number three). Individually, I’m focusing on working with new boccia balls to hopefully gain some strategic advantages.

Rivals or competition - Is there a player or team you’re excited to face again?

I often play Yuk Wing Leung from Hong Kong throughout the season. He’s a great friend, a tremendous athlete, and a six-time Paralympic medallist. You have to be at your absolute best to beat him, and our record is about 50/50, which makes every match exciting.

Mindset - How do you stay calm and focused before a big match?

Experience plays a big role in handling pressure. These days, I don’t focus on the pressure itself - I focus on enjoying the challenge and performing at my best.

Advice for young players - What advice would you give to someone new to boccia?

Boccia is a fantastic and enjoyable sport. Celebrate your achievements, support your teammates, and most importantly, enjoy what you do.

Looking ahead - What are you most excited about in the year ahead?

The World Championships in Korea are something I’m really excited about. The World Cup there last year gave me a great sense of what to expect, and each World Championships seems to raise the bar. Korea will set a standard that will be hard to match. 

Good luck Stephen!