Rachel Ross, a BC2 athlete from Nottinghamshire, tells her story…
My boccia story begins back in 2004 when I got through the regionals – I became the reigning Midlands Regional Champion for four years. This got me through to the national competition where I played and beat an existing member of the England and Wales squad (as it was then).
Because of this win I got called up for an England squad trial day and gained my place shortly after. This gave me many competitive opportunities.
I stepped down from the England squad to focus on university in 2011.
My love for the sport was rekindled back in 2018 when I watched the World Championships in Liverpool. I decided to get back on to the competition circuit and went to the Bristol Heathcoat Cup competition in November 2018, where I won a bronze medal.
I was then invited to the Heathcoat Cup finals where I came fourth.
After that I had two trial dates with the Knights Academy in Sheffield, and was successful in gaining a place there.
In the 2020 season, I came second at the Heathcoat Cup in Sheffield and qualified for the final, although this was cancelled due to Covid-19.
I have enjoyed getting back on court with a Boccia England coach as I have now been identified by the talent ID pathway and look forward to taking on the opportunities that come my way.
I enjoy the competitive nature of boccia and the camaraderie between players and within squads as you learn and train together, gaining experience and friends.
I look forward to getting back to training after the pandemic and seeing what I can achieve in the coming season.