After an outstanding career, Claire Taggart has announced her retirement from competitive boccia. Claire has been a leading figure in the sport, representing Great Britain at three Paralympic Games—Rio, Tokyo, and Paris—and achieving the pinnacle of her career with a World Championship title in 2022.

Throughout her career, Claire consistently demonstrated her elite skill and dedication, medaling at every event she participated in between 2021 and 2024. One of her most notable achievements was securing a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships as part of the BC1/2 Team alongside her teammates, David Smith OBE and Will Hipwell. Her perseverance and commitment to the sport have earned her respect both in the UK and internationally.

Despite the highs of her competitive career, Claire has decided to retire to focus on her mental health and well-being. The pressures of elite sport, including intense travel schedules and the constant pursuit of performance excellence, have taken a toll over the years. After much reflection, Claire is stepping away from competition to pursue new goals beyond the boccia court.

In addition to her retirement, Claire is excited to launch Think Accessible, a consultancy focused on improving accessibility in live music for Deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse communities. This new venture aligns with her passion for inclusivity and her commitment to creating more accessible environments for all.

Boccia UK’s Performance Director, Greg Baker, expressed admiration for Claire’s accomplishments, noting her influence on the sport, while her coach, Glynn Tromans, acknowledged the lasting impact she has had on both her team and the global boccia community.

As Claire embarks on this new chapter, we thank her for her dedication and wish her every success in her future endeavors.

Credit: imagecomms