Boccia is Enjoying a Revival, says Norway’s Aandalen

Great Britain's David Smith on his way to winning gold against Portugal at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games © • Getty Images London 2012 will be Roger Aandalen's fifth Paralympic Games © • NIF

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“I play on high risk when that’s necessary, and low risk if that’s possible."

Roger Aandalen started playing Boccia in 1986 when a friend introduced him to the game. He’s been on the Norwegian national side since 1993, and London will be his fifth Paralympics.

As a veteran to the game, the BC1 player said the game had dramatically transformed in the last six years.

“The players are much better, and the balls too,” explained Aandalen, who won silver in the individual BC1 event at Athens 2004. “When I started on the national team, we had no options of choosing balls. Today we have a lot of options.”

Aandalen also said Boccia – a sport for athletes with cerebral palsy and other disabilities - is enjoying ever-increasing crowds, drawing many who have never seen the sport before, but are hooked as soon as they do.

“Boccia is mainly for those who have strong disabilities,” said Aandalen. “Boccia can seem very easy, but you can try. It’s not easy.

“And when you see us in action, a lot of us have a lot of spasms. Then you can imagine how difficult it is.

“We not just have to control the ball aiming to get to the target; we also have to control our spasms as well. So, again, no, it’s not easy.”

Playing a safe game

The competition in London will be extremely tough, and with the elimination format, one mistake or a bad day will knock players out of the tournament.

For the first time ever, Norway has not qualified for the team event, but Aandalen is training four to six days a week for the individual competition where he hopes to medal in London.

Aandalen does not like to take risks in his games, but he is always determined to win.

“When I am on court … people tell me that I look angry, but I am not. I am just focused and concentrated.

“I play on high risk when that’s necessary, and low risk if that’s possible. Of course low risk is to be preferred.”

Some of his toughest opponents will come from Asia, who are known for their aggressive tactics, which can seem reckless and high-risk.

One of those players will be Kwang-Min Ji, who Great Britain’s David Smith recently beat 3-1 in the individual competition at the London 2012 test event.

“[Ji] is a good player, but he is absolutely not unbeatable,” said Aandalen, who beat him last time he played against him.

“He is okay up to 4 metres, but over 5 metres he is not that good.”

Home Games advantage

With the home crowds behind him, Smith will also be a tough opponent.

“He is going to play at home this time, Great Britain. Maybe this will affect his nerves?” Aandalen quipped, adding, “No, I don’t think so. He is a pro, but you never know.”

Both Smith and Aandalen hold each other in high regard both on and off the court.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” said Smith. “He’s a good player and has been around for years. I’ve had a lot of good battles with him on court.

“I’d like to say I have a good record against him, but I’m sure he’s gunning for me in London, so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” said Smith, who intends to sport his red Mohican hairstyle for the Games.

Tickets for the London 2012 Paralympic Games go back on sale on 21 May.