17-07-2025
Ayrshire boccia ace wins European medal in final event before maternity leave
Kayleigh Brown is set to take time out to focus on her family after European success.
Ayrshire ace Kayleigh Brown steps away from boccia as a European medallist after bagging a bronze medal in the recent European Championships in Zagreb, Croatia.
Kayleigh, who represented Team GB at the Paralympic Games last year is six months pregnant and will take a break from the sport to focus on family.
She defeated Jirina Kreibichová 6-0 in the BC2 female bronze medal match, having been defeated by eventual gold medalist Vivien Nagy in the semi final.
She said: 'Finishing my last competition before maternity on a high is a good place to be.
'Being six months pregnant came with some challenges but I'm really pleased with how I was able to adapt this week and push through, even when I've felt exhausted at times.
'My biggest achievement at this competition was not only winning a bronze medal but beating the Paris Paralympic Champion in the quarter-finals.
'Christina (Goncalves of Portugal) is an amazing boccia player so I was excited to play her and it's great to know that I can perform and beat the best in the world.
'I'm not sure what's next for me in boccia but for now I'm focussing on family and my husband Kevin and I can't wait to meet our baby boy in October.'
It's just the latest success for talented Kayleigh, who is a world record holder at seven different frame running distances.
Hamilton's Stephen McGuire picked up a double gold with victory in the BC4 individual and team events.
