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Competing for the first time in boccia’s individual women’s BC3 event at a Paralympic Games, Jamieson Leeson has booked her spot in the semi-final after staging a stunning comeback win in the quarter final.
Teaming up with ramp assistant Jasmine Haydon, the duo were trailing 0-2 at the conclusion of the second end but managed to deliver a strong final two ends to win 4-3 over Argentina’s Stefania Ferrando.
The win puts them through to tomorrow’s semi-final, a feat Leeson was delighted to achieve.
“I’ve done it before [semi-final] at the world championships, but wasn’t quite sure if I could do it this time around,” Leeson said.
“It’s my first time at the Paralympics in the individual event so to make it to the semi-finals is such an achievement. I just can’t wait to see what happens from here.
“I think it’s actually a bad trait of mine, coming back from losing the first two ends, but I think I’m pretty good at fighting back.
“In terms of the individual event, I came second at the world champs in 2022, so I had hoped to do well here. My results have been kind of hot and cold over the past 18 months, so I just wanted to dig in and have a crack.
“The women’s competition is getting so competitive, especially in the past year. The level has skyrocketed which is amazing to see,” she added.
In the men’s BC3 individual event, Dan Michel and Ash Maddern finished on top of the ladder for their pool, going undefeated to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
Michel, who has his sights set on a medal, said despite the strong start there’s areas of his game he still needs to work on.
“It’s always good to come out of the pool group clean. It’s been two tough matches yesterday and today, so I feel like I’ve been battle tested and ready for the finals,” he said.
“I’ve played pretty well but I’ve got plenty I want to work on too, so by no means am I feeling 100 percent great about what I’ve achieved so far, however I do feel as though there’s enough to build on and I want to find a few more of my shots.
“I feel like I’ll be playing my best, watch out.”
Boccia competition continues at South Paris Arena on Sunday.
By: Lauren Ryan, Paralympics Australia
Published: 1 September 2024
