Three-time Northern Ireland Paralympian Claire Taggart has confirmed her retirement from competitive boccia, bringing an illustrious career in the sport to a close. Hailing from Larne, Taggart made history as the first athlete from Northern Ireland to compete in boccia at the Paralympic Games, making her debut at Rio 2016. She went on to represent her country at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, cementing her status as one of Northern Ireland’s most accomplished Paralympians.
Over her career, Taggart achieved remarkable success on the international stage. She claimed two gold medals at the 2022 Boccia World Cup in Portugal and later that same year added gold at the Boccia World Championships in Rio. Her achievements and dedication to sport were formally recognised when she was awarded an MBE in the 2024 New Year Honours, celebrating her contributions to athletics and inspiration to aspiring athletes across Northern Ireland.
Reflecting on her decision to retire, the 30-year-old revealed that it was driven by a desire to prioritise her mental health. “After a lot of soul searching and struggling with my mental health for years, I have made the decision to retire from boccia,” Taggart said in a statement. She spoke candidly about how her motivation to train and compete had changed over time. “I used to wake up every day excited to go to training, to work ridiculously hard and to sacrifice everything in the pursuit of medals. I don’t feel that way anymore.”
Taggart’s honesty highlights the challenges many elite athletes face, particularly in balancing the intense demands of high-level competition with personal wellbeing. “I’ve spent the last nine months working on my mental health, with the support of my parents, medical professionals and close friends,” she explained. “With the right support and therapy, I am starting to feel better than I have in years, with real ambitions and life goals away from a boccia court.”
Her retirement marks the end of an era for Northern Ireland boccia, where Taggart has been a pioneering figure. Young athletes have looked up to her determination, resilience, and skill on the court, and her achievements have helped raise the profile of Paralympic sport in the region. Her legacy will be remembered not only for the medals and accolades but also for the doors she opened for the next generation of athletes.
Taggart’s career journey reflects a broader conversation around mental health in elite sports, with her openness serving as an important reminder that athletes are human too. While her competitive days may be over, her influence off the court is likely to continue, as she pursues new ambitions and encourages others to prioritise wellbeing alongside success.
As she steps away from boccia, the Paralympic community will undoubtedly celebrate her contributions, honouring a career defined by historic achievements, determination, and a pioneering spirit. Claire Taggart leaves the sport with a legacy that will inspire future Northern Irish athletes for years to come.
