Smith reclaims title at European Boccia Championships

BBC News

15-07-2025

Britain's David Smith has won gold at the 2025 European Boccia Championships.The 36-year-old beat Portugal's Andre Ramos 5-2 in the BC1 men's final after coming through the pool stages undefeated.The title marks a return to form for the Swansea-based athlete, who had to settle for silver in 2023 having won individual gold in 2019 and 2021."I'm feeling really good about the European gold, it was a good tournament for me," said Smith."It's nice to be back on the winning step, having not won a final at a majors for a little while. It's felt good to get a major title under my belt again."
Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Smith, who is ranked world number two, also missed out on a medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games and has since been making some changes in equipment and technique."I felt like I had a good balance in my play. I was scoring heavily, taking chances, being clinical when I got in," he added."There were a few things I could have done a bit better but overall it was positive. The new chair felt good, the seat worked and the new balls were fine. "There's still stuff to work on but it's a good starting point and it shows I'm heading in the right direction."The Great Britain squad is returning home with five medals from the individuals.Scotland's Stephen McGuire and Salisbury's Sally Kidson also secured golds, while Kayleigh Brown and 17-year-old Sophie Newnham took bronze.Smith went on to compete in the team and pairs event with Kayleigh Brown and Reshad Saraj, who has recently been added to the trio, but were beaten in the play-off by Portugal.