Smith kicks off fifth Paralympic campaign with strong opening win

It was a successful first day in Paris for Britain’s boccia players, who made a strong start in their Paralympic campaigns. David Smith OBE, a freeman of the Borough of Eastleigh, and the reigning Paralympic champion and world number one, secured his first win in what is his fifth appearance at the Paralympics.

Smith is aiming for his fourth Paralympic gold medal in Paris and his third individual title. Admitting to some nerves earlier today ahead of his first pool match, the GB player was relieved to beat Brazil’s De Oliveira, who reached the semi-finals in Tokyo, 5-2.

Smith, who has once again dyed his hair into a red and blue mohawk for the competition, said:

“I’m feeling really good. I’m a little bit disappointed with the score – I could have done better with that, but first games are always awkward. I was really nervous going into the game, and I think it showed in the first couple of ends. Luckily, I played well, but then I relaxed after the first couple of ends and, when I relax, the difference in power – my power gauge – goes through the roof. But my control left me in the third end – I relaxed too much and gave away two in the third and had to dig out the last end a bit.

“It’s a pool of three, and I don’t know what’s going to happen against the other two, so it’s massively important to get this win. I would have liked a few more points in that game to give me a bit more security.”

Smith now has a day off before returning to the court on Saturday.

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