David Smith OBE's Juvo Story.

David, 35, originally from Eastleigh in Hampshire, was diagnosed with Hypertonic Cerebral Palsy Quadriplegia when he was one. He says: “From a young age, I was determined to live life to the fullest despite being diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition that progressively limited my mobility. My parents always emphasised the importance of perseverance and adaptability, values that would become the cornerstone of my journey. I remember getting my first electric wheelchair at Cedar School when I was three, but I think it was second-hand and only did 4km/h”. 

David’s Boccia career began at school. He was educated at Treloar School, which he describes as ‘a fantastic place for a young person with a severe disability’. During his time here he was surrounded by opportunities and started getting a taste for independence, success and confidence. He says: “I competed in sports competitions and performed at music concerts. I learnt to play the drums, and I also got my first fast electric wheelchair from Action for Kids – 12km/h felt so good for the first time! This moment was transformative; the power wheelchair not only provided me with the freedom to move but also the confidence to pursue my goals without limitations. I began to see technology not as a crutch, but as an enabler of independence and empowerment.”

During his time at Treloar, David enjoyed considerable Boccia success, becoming the youngest ever British Boccia champion at the age of just 14 and then Boccia World Champion at the age of 18. A year later, David left school to embark on his first Paralympic Games in Beijing. He says: “The team gold not only defined my future for the next 12-years but also made my Freshers Week at uni pretty good too.”

For the next six years David would combine completing a degree in Aerospace Engineering at Swansea University with his Boccia commitments, as well as incorporating all the usual rites of passage that come with being a young adult, such as learning to drive.

He returned to the 2012 Paralympic Games in London where he helped the team return to the podium for bronze and, individually, he took the silver medal. “The atmosphere was electric, and the support from the home crowd was overwhelming. Winning a bronze medal was a dream come true and a testament to the countless hours of training and perseverance,” reflected David.

Following his success at the London games, David purchased an Ottobock B400 powered wheelchair. This advanced piece of mobility technology was a game-changer. He picked this model due to its compact and stable structure which allowed him to get better angles in his Boccia matches. With a range of up to 35km this powerchair also allowed him the flexibility and freedom to enjoy days out without being restricted in having to charge the chair. The ease of driving, thanks to its tailored customisations, allowed David to navigate different terrains effortlessly.

At the Rio Paralympics in 2016, David seized the individual gold medal and, in 2018, confirmed his status as no.1 player at the World Championships in Liverpool. In 2019, he secured the triple crown, winning the European Championships. He went on to defend his title in Tokyo by winning an individual gold medal making David the most successful boccia player of all time having won five medals from across four separate Paralympic Games.

David’s remarkable achievements in the sport earned him an MBE, presented by Prince William at Buckingham Palace. In 2022, he was further honoured with an OBE, which was bestowed by the then Prince Charles.

David was recently named in the ParalympicsGB squad for Paris 2024, his fifth consecutive games. He is still competing in his B400 powerchair and even though it is ten years old he has full trust in its reliability.

Outside of competitive sports, David recently acquired a Juvo B4 powerchair for his daily use. The Juvo B4, the evolution of the B400, retains the same compact frame, making it easier to drive through narrow doorways and navigate confined spaces. As a regular volunteer at his local Swansea parkrun, David needed a powerchair with a long range and wheel suspension to handle uneven surfaces—features that make the Juvo B4 an essential addition to his daily routine.

As he prepares himself for his toughest Paralympics to date, he reflects on his journey that has led him to this moment.