After 15 months out of boccia competition due to ill health, Edinburgh’s Patrick Wilson made a stunning comeback at the Coimbra World Cup, winning gold in the individual and silver in the Pairs event.
Before travelling to Portugal, Boccia UK, who run a sport primarily for athletes with conditions such as cerebral palsy etc requiring them to place coloured balls closest to a white target ball, did not discuss performance goals with the Scottish BC3 player whose category encompasses severe locomotive dysfunction making the use of a ramp or assistive device necessary.
Instead, the focus for double Paralympian Patrick was simply being able to compete internationally again.
Coach Glynn Tromans said: “Patrick’s results and performances were exceptional, but it was even more rewarding to see him on an international boccia court again, demonstrating his tactical supremacy and resilience.”
In his two pool matches, Wilson – with ramp operator Meredith Greenwood – tasted victory and defeat. Going into the knockout rounds he triumphed over Gabriele Zendron of Italy 4-2 and Diogo Castro of Portugal 3-1 before going up against South Korea’s Jon Ho Kwon in the final and winning 5-3.
Wilson and Greenwood went on to win silver in the BC3 Pairs event partnering Sally Kidson and her ramp operator, Chloe Lewis. The duo saw off South Korea, Italy and Sweden but lost to Poland in the pool matches before dominating the semi-final over Greece, 7-1.
Patrick found himself once again in a final with South Korea, but losing 2-3 to win silver.
In reflective mood afterwards, Patrick said: “When I’m on the boccia court, I think of those who have supported me, I’ve played with or who have coached me. Some of them are no longer with us and some are. These medals are for them.”
