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Strong results at the recent Montreal World Boccia Cup in Canada have Australia’s leading boccia players feeling confident ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Daniel Michel and Jamieson Leeson, together with their respective ramp assistants Ash Maddern and Jasmine Haydon, claimed the silver medal after a tough final against Japan in the BC3 Pairs.
Michel and Maddern also took silver in the BC3 Men after a 5-4 final against Korea’s Howon Jeong.
Leeson said she was pleased with how the duo came together in the pairs matches.
“We played well, again we were hoping for gold, but very tough competition, she said shortly after arriving home.
“Japan played a very good game but I’m happy with the results overall.”
Leeson is now looking to the future after making it to the quarter finals in here individual competition.
“It’s such a great event, Montreal is very well organised,” she said.
“I didn’t get the result I wanted in the individual, but I’m definitely making some progress towards Paris, so it’s looking very promising.
“We see points of improvement that we can make and we’ve got plenty of time to do that.”
Leeson, who competed at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, said it’s starting to feel more real now as Paris inches closer and she’s excited about the prospect of being selected for the Australian Paralympic Team.
“Going into Tokyo I was very new to the sport and I wasn’t expecting to go, and then I did and played in the pairs,” she said.
“I get to play individual and pairs now.
“I’m also going to be 110 percent more prepared for these Games in terms of training and experience.
“Having that consistency in our preparations and being able to attend international events before is really helpful.”
Team Manager Sarah Skidmore said it was one of the best trips she’s experienced with the team.
“We managed to foster a fantastic team environment, both on and off the court, and I think that contributed to the athletes amazing performances across the competition,” she said.
“They played some great games of boccia and were consistent and focused on their goal of getting the most out of this World Cup in preparation for Paris.
“The gold medal matches that Dan and Ash played in the individual competition and the way the team played in the pairs competition … they were such close games, so to come away with some silver medals, I’m very proud of their efforts.”
The team will head overseas once more before the Paris Paralympic Games to compete at the New Taipei City World Boccia Cup, from July 23 to August 1.
By Natalie McGarry, Paralympics Australia
Published: 9 May, 2024
Pictures: Boccia Australia
