Paris 2024: Adam Peska shares how boccia is the 'driving force in my life'

Adam Peska shot to stardom at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, winning the individual BC3 event on his Paralympic debut. He beat Greece’s Grigorius Polychronidis in the final in a tie-break and received the gold medal from his mother Ivana, who is his sport assistant.

Three years later, the Czech star reflects on his journey and shares what he looks forward to at Paris 2024.

What does boccia mean for you in your life?

Boccia is very enjoyable for me. It is the driving force in my life. 

I enjoy watching boccia broadcasts on television even when I don't play, so I can learn from other players. I am glad that I can engage in sports because I am never bored. Both practices and competitions are lively, and I have many friends among boccia players. Thanks to boccia, I also travel frequently. After the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, boccia has become a part of my job.

How did you start playing boccia?

I learned about boccia from friends who played it. I tried it and liked it. I started training at the age of 12 at the school called Svítání in Pardubice. Whenever there was time, my mom and I were practising, even in the corridor of my elementary school. From the beginning, I played boccia in the sports club called TJ Léčebna Košumberk, where I learned to play.

Did you play any other sports before that – or now?

I follow all sports on TV. When I was little and still was able to walk, I played a bit of soccer. My dad also taught me to ski and skate. With friends, I tried playing floorball a bit. But all of these activities were just for fun.

What has made you one of the best boccia players in the world?

At first, boccia didn't come easy to me. I didn't do well in my first tournament, finishing almost last. Since then, I wanted to constantly improve, and gradually, it happened. It probably helps that I am relatively calm even in complex game situations. I never underestimate any opponent.

In my BC3 category, I need a ramp operator to play, and my mom has been doing that for me since the beginning. Our teamwork and the frequency of training are crucial. I owe a lot to my former coach Michaela Říháčková, who helped me with ball handling in my game. 

Can you tell us about the equipment you use?

Essential for boccia is technical equipment - the ramp and, in my case, a helmet with antennas and a ball holder. My dad takes care of all these things. The ramp with which I won in Tokyo was made by him and with the assistance of skilled people who helped him. My victory definitely wouldn't be possible without the patient helpers from my family.

How do you look back at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games?

For me, the experience of getting there, being part of the Czech delegation, and representing the country at such an event was already significant.

Because it was my first Paralympics, I saw everything for the first time. Although it took place under strict Covid-19 measures, it impressed me. I liked the Paralympic Village, the boccia hall, and how everything worked there. The Japanese organisers and volunteers were very kind, with smiling eyes. In our Czech house, we had a friendly atmosphere.

What do you remember most about the Games?

I have three strong memories. The first is related to the fact that these Paralympics were without spectators. So, a few of our people were cheering for us. During the matches, it was amazing to see them waving the Czech flag.

The second was right after we finished the final. I felt great joy in fulfilling my dream. And the third was when my mom put the medal around my neck, and then the Czech anthem played; it was a great honour. It was a very special experience, a very strong moment.

Did you expect to win the gold medal?

I told myself that I wanted to give my best performance at the Paralympics.

Progressing from the group stage was considered a success and a goal. That happened. The most critical moments were during the quarterfinals against Ho Won Jeong, the defending champion from the Republic of Korea. Fortunately, I succeeded with the initial shots. A successful start to the match always brings me calmness, even though I am not nervous.

This was repeated in the final against Greece's Grigorios Polychronidis. I knew I was playing against the favourite, and I would have been satisfied with a silver medal. But in the first inning, I took a 3-0 lead, and I saw that it could go well. However, I never thought I could win.

What were your thoughts when you realised the gold medal was yours?

I was very happy to have such a memory of the Paralympics. And I am still not sure if it is real.

What has that victory meant for you?

It reassured me that we trained in the right way, and all those workouts paid off. It helped improve conditions for our training and finances for competitions. I appeared at social events, and, consequently, more in the media. Since then, boccia has also become my job.

How has it been to be recognised back home?

After a night flight, family, friends, firefighters from our village, and others welcomed us at Prague airport. In the hall, there were banners, fireworks before entering our village Rohovládova Bělá, and a sign on the road saying ADAM PEŠKA 2020. I must add that the sign is still there. In the Bělá sports field, they organized a big celebration with a guard of honuor, and hundreds of people arrived to honour us. It was very nice.

What importance has your gold medal had for Para sports and boccia in Czechia?

Para sports have become more visible, and more people have learned about boccia. I probably motivated others.

How are you looking forward to Paris 2024?

I am very much looking forward to being at the Paralympics again, and this time hopefully without restrictions and with spectators. And it's also not far from the Czech Republic, so family and friends will come to see us.

Have you changed anything in your training for Paris 2024?

Some things, but not much. We tried to improve throws that I didn't excel at and also adjust tactics a bit. I have also got a different composition of my set of playing balls.

What would it mean for you to defend your title in Paris?

The first goal will be to progress from the group stage, and I will want to give my best performance. Successfully defending it would be amazing.

What bigger dreams do you have with your sport?

I would like more people in the Czech Republic to play boccia. I want them to be aware that even with the most severe disability, they can become athletes.

Book your tickets for the Paralympic Games by visiting the Paris 2024 ticketing website.