A SALISBURY woman has been selected to represent Great Britain in the Paralympics. 

Sally Kidson will be making her way to France in August to represent Great Britain’s Boccia squad in the Paris Paralympics.

The Salisbury born star is Team GB’s youngest Boccia (pronounced ‘bot-cha’) representative in their strong squad of five, only be 19 years old.

She made her international debut in 2022 when she was at the age of 17 and in the space of two years, has maintained many memorable victories against many champions.

The breakout superstar is supported by her ramp assistant, Hannah Stewart.

(Image: Contributed)

Kidson said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to have been selected to represent Paralympics GB.

"It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am grateful beyond words to be a part of such an incredible group of people”. 

In 2023, Kidson showed her strength in the sport after defeating then World champion Ana Costa, at the World Boccia Championship in Zagreb.  She placed fourth overall in the tournament.

Later, she would go on to defeat Sonia Heckel, a former European champion at the European Para Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Kidson and her teammate, Will Arnott had turned around two defeats in the BC3 Pair pool matches, leading to their success and winning gold in March earlier this year. This secured Great Britain a spot for the BC3 Pairs in Paris.

The sport was first introduced in 1984 and involves athletes throwing, kicking or using a ramp to launch a ball onto a court with the aim to get closest to the ‘jack’ ball. Boccia is designed for athletes who have a disability that affects their locomotor function.

The 19-year-old added: “It’s been a crazy journey so far, filled with challenges, triumphs and many, many hours of hard work, but I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”

Outside of the Paralympic sport, Kidson is an aspiring musician, playing the linstrument with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Resound ensemble and the National Open Youth Orchestra.

The Salisbury star looks to purse Music and her undergraduate degree.