Paralympics dream is closer for boccia star Fiona Muirhead

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Blantyre boccia star Fiona Muirhead is a step closer to the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games after being selected for UK Sport’s World Class Programme.The 40-year-old reached the last 16 at the World Championships in December and has been making good progress in BC4 Pairs with Hamilton’s Steph McGuire.Both athletes have muscular dystrophy, and Fiona has found that boccia has had a positive impact on the condition, having switched sports from curling, which she found to be too cold.Boccia is a game of strategy and accuracy, where athletes throw, roll or kick coloured balls as close as possible to a white target ball [the ‘jack’].Fiona said: “I’m so grateful to Great Britain for the opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to events in 2023 and working towards the Paris Paralympic Games.”There are now 12 athletes in the Boccia UK squad that receive funding as part of the World Class Programme, meaning they are supported at day-to-day training and any competitions they attend.Athletes also receive physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, thanks to UK Sport, the National Lottery and the DCMS.Boccia UK performance director Greg Baker said: “To achieve selection to the World Class Programme, an athlete needs to demonstrate realistic medal winning capabilities for future Paralympic Games.“We are really excited to welcome Robyn McBride, Fiona Muirhead, Kayleigh Haggo and Sally Kidson onto the programme, which really improves our strength and depth at international tournaments.“Boccia is a thoroughly demanding and exciting sport, and we are confident that the new athletes joining the programme have what it takes to be successful at this level.“They have demonstrated a problem solving and highly strategic mindset that is