Hopes are high in Seoul

Great Britain has unveiled its squad headed to the World Boccia Championships in Seoul which takes place from 26th-31st August.

And the eight-strong contingent is “full of medal potential”, according to Paralympic gold medallist Stephen McGuire MBE. In fact, the line-up features five Paris Paralympians while four players make their World Championship debut.

McGuire from Lanarkshire currently reigns as world number one in the BC4 Men’s category:

“The World Championships are always a special occasion and the biggest test outside of the Paralympic Games,” said McGuire. “Representing Great Britain on this stage is a privilege, and as a squad we're excited to get out to Seoul and compete against the very best in the world.

stephen mcguire looks to continue his medal-winning campaign

“We have a fantastic squad full of experience and fresh talent. Several of our athletes, including David Smith, Patrick Wilson and myself have won medals at this level before, while a number of teammates will be experiencing their first World Championships. Every Team and Pair event features a new line-up compared to the last World Champs in Rio 2022, which makes this an exciting new chapter for the squad.”

McGuire also heads into the BC4 Pairs event as world number one alongside eighteen-year-old Sophie Newnham.

Newnham has also had an incredible 12 months. Her rapid climb up the world rankings in 2025 is one of the fastest ever recorded in the sport. Medalling at every tournament she entered last season, the Surbiton player is certainly a name to note in Seoul.

Likewise, David Smith OBE is never to be underestimated. With five medals from four Paralympic Games, he is undisputedly Britain’s best boccia player of all time.

The Eastleigh-born boccia star, who now lives in Swansea, may have been unable to defend his World title four years ago in Rio, but having made key changes in equipment and style of play, Smith bounced back in 2025, winning the European Championships. And he’s ready to not only reclaim his Worlds throne but the triple crown: European Champion, World Champion and Paralympic Champion:

“I’m going to Seoul to win gold and I don’t mind being brash about it. Anything less and I’ll be disappointed. In fact, my aim is to win back the triple crown.

smith is european champion - now he is looking to reclaim his world and paralympic titles too

“I have made some changes and we’re still making tweaks. When I’m playing well, I’m flying. I hit 95% accuracy in my first pool game in Povoa.

“But sometimes it does feel like two steps forward, one step back. I just need to stick to the process and sometimes, be pragmatic and just get the job done – even if it’s not pretty!”

Kayleigh Brown and Reshad Saraj – who, like Newnham, are both competing at the first World Championships - will join Smith in the Team event, after their individual campaigns. Last month, Brown, from Ayr, achieved a big career milestone. For the first time, she reached the medal matches at a World Cup.

“My mindset going into Seoul is the same as any other competition. I’m still going to play the same game. This will be Klay’s first long haul flight and there’s a big time difference so my main aim is to enjoy the competition and continue learning how to balance being an elite athlete while also being the best Mum I can be!”

kayleigh brown balancing life as an elite athlete and as a mum

Meanwhile, Saraj from Pinner in London has made steady progress and currently sits in the world number 20 spot.

Another event for Great Britain not to be overlooked is in the BC3 category. Sally Kidson is the fourth player in the squad to be making her Worlds debut yet she brings strong experience from the Paralympic Games. The star from Salisbury is also European Champion:

“I feel like I’m in a good place individually and in the Pair so I’m looking forward to testing myself against the best in the world. It will be a test for sure but I’ll be bringing all experience to the forefront to try and overcome the pressure.”

sally kidson is one to watch in the BC3s

Established player Patrick Wilson joins her in the BC3 Pair. The duo will surely take a confidence boost from winning bronze at the Povoa World Cup last month.

Having recently formed a Pairs partnership, they have only played together for three World Cups, yet they have medalled twice.

Louis Saunders completes the line-up. He will feature alongside McGuire in the BC4 Men’s competition. This is his third World Championships. Four years ago in Rio, Saunders, he beat two world top ten players:

“I showed glimpses of my top form in camp last week and I’m excited to see how all of the hard work over the last 12 months can come to fruition in Seoul. Working with my coaches and our sports psychologist, I’ve been really focussing on increasing my resilience.”

louis saunders hoping all the hard work pays off in seoul