Steve Wilson became the first Bermudian Para athlete to win an International Boccia Title when he took Gold at the Buenos Aires Regional Open, which concluded in Argentina on Sunday November 18th.
The 70-year-old secured the historic first for his country in fine style, winning all six of his matches in the BC4 event. Home favorite Khalil Profiti had two cracks at toppling Wilson but having lost 4-1 to the Bermudian during the pool stage, Profiti folded in the final, once again going down 4-1 with Wilson scoring two in the first end to stamp his authority on proceedings from the off.
Little more than six years ago Bermuda did not boast a single Boccia team but, led by the WindReach Club, of which Wilson is a member, the nation is swiftly making its mark on the sport. Wilson, the current world No.42, now has his sights firmly set on qualifying for the Parapan American Games in Lima in 2019 and then heading to Tokyo for the Paralympic Games a year later.
The delighted Gold Medalist was joined in Buenos Aires by two compatriots, BC1 players Omar Hayward and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade. The pair both lost in the pool stage to eventual Silver Medalist Eduardo Ventura of Mexico, with Hayward going on to finish fifth overall with DeSilva-Andrade ending seventh.
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