Desni McIntosh is set to make her debut for the Great Britain padel team at the 2026 FIP Seniors World Cup in Buenos Aires, a milestone that marks a remarkable recovery from a career-threatening skiing accident. Partnering with Victoria Davies in the 50+ category, McIntosh’s journey to the international stage is a testament to her resilience after spending three years on crutches and facing the potential amputation of her leg.
A Journey of Resilience and Sporting Success
McIntosh’s path to the national team was far from conventional. A former squash and lacrosse representative for Scotland, her athletic career was nearly cut short shortly after she qualified as a doctor. Following a severe skiing accident in Canada that shattered her knee, she underwent years of surgery, eventually seeking help from a specialist in Indianapolis who described her injury as the worst he had ever encountered. After learning to walk again and retraining as a psychiatrist, she discovered padel in 2017, finding a sport that accommodated her physical limitations while satisfying her competitive drive.
The GB squad for the upcoming tournament, which runs from September 14-19, features a strong contingent from the Edinburgh Sports Club. Alongside McIntosh, the team includes:
- Ashley Mears: A former Scotland squash international who, like McIntosh, has a history of knee issues and will compete in the 60+ category.
- Rosie Dennis: A fellow Edinburgh Sports Club player who will also represent Great Britain in the 60+ category.
- Drew Warren: The GB men’s captain, who believes this is the strongest squad the nation has fielded to date, citing the benefit of having established pairs who train together regularly.
- Chris Warren: The founder of Rocks Lane Padel Clubs and the Euro Padel League, who will join his brother Drew in competing in the 60+ category.
The 2026 tournament features updated age categories, with the 35+ division removed and a new 60+ category introduced. The competition format for the men includes 32 teams divided into eight groups, with the top team from each group advancing to compete for positions 1-8. The women’s competition features 26 teams, with play-offs determining final rankings down to position 26. As the teams prepare for the 17-hour flight to Argentina, the focus remains on acclimatization and the upcoming draw, which captain Drew Warren notes will be a deciding factor in the team's ability to aim for a top-16 finish.
