Hamilton boccia star Steph McGuire says injury return felt like a win

Steph McGuire says finishing sixth at the boccia World Cup in Portugal felt like a “massive win” after returning from a serious injury.

In January, Hamilton man McGuire broke his knee and femur, forcing him to undergo major surgery.

The 38-year-old made his return to action in Povoa earlier this month, and he says that in itself was a victory.

“For me, finishing sixth at the World Cup is a massive win, having only had roughly 20 hours on court in six months due to a serious injury,” he said.

“I lost out to Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Pornchok Larpyen with his final ball in the quarter-finals, after beating Radek Prochazka in a play-off earlier in the day.

“It’s back to rehabilitation with renewed motivation.

“Thanks to the medical team for getting me to the start line.

“I’ve learned so many lessons during this time and the gap which seemed so far away is certainly closing.”

McGuire added: “I was told recovery would take three to five months, so Povoa was always the target.

“There’s still some recovery to do, but the rehab has gone well, and I’ve had so much support from the Boccia UK medical team, as well as Scottish Institute of Sport staff.

“That was my longest break from boccia in my 17 years of playing, and I’ve certainly missed it.”

Joining McGuire in the BC4 line-up in Portugal was Fiona Muirhead, who hails from Blantyre, and Louis Saunders from Bognor Regis.

Muirhead, who is coached by McGuire’s on-court assistant and fiancé Michaela Rihackova, put in some good performances on her debut.

She said: “I’ve played with Stephen regionally in training and I see him regularly when we’re with the Scotland squad as well.

“I’m looking forward to getting some training in with him.”

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport onTwitter via