Paralympian David Smith is the star speaker at the Bedford College annual Achievements Ceremony on Tuesday November 28th.
David, aged 28, is No 1 in the fast growing game of Boccia. This year he competed in Kansas City for the World Open Championships where he won Gold. Earlier he took Gold in an international championship in Seville. This month (November) David won Gold in BISFed European Championships in Portugal.
David was on the British Paralympics team that won a Gold medal in 2008. He also competed in the 2012 London Games. He won Gold at the Rio Paralympics in 2016, and is now the most successful British Boccia player ever.
David said:
”I have evolved as a player and changed everything to a varying degree. I owe my success in the last eight years to coach Sarah Nolan who has taken time to understand me and push me to my potential.
“I’m really excited to see whether I can complete the job in Tokyo in 2020.”
David is currently based at Swansea, Wales where, after completing his degree studying Aerospace Engineering, he is training full-time. David made two appearances on the TV programme The Last Leg which he performed his trademark “doughnut” in his wheelchair. He has a passion for aircraft with a particular interest in World War II aircraft.
His coach is Tresham College staff member Sarah Nolan.
Sarah, is Head of Health, Care and Access at Tresham College, in her spare time coaches David, showing how far inspirational teaching and coaching can take people.
“David is an example to us all of how hard work and determination can push not only your own boundaries, but move them forward for others around you too,” said Sarah.