Para-athlete
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Imagine if you were the athlete to break a 32 year old record! Well, that's what Layla Sharp did, what a performance! She took 36 seconds off the U15 able-bodied 3km club run for her club, Werrington Little A’s. A long standing record smashed.
Layla competed in the Australian Juniors taking out 3 Silver medals in the 400m, 800m and 1500m. She rebroke all her Australian Records in her classification (T12) and is on pathway to the Paralympic Games.
The season started with @littleasnsw State Little A’s where she came 1st in the 800m and 3rd in 100m and 200m breaking the Australian U17 records. She also made 400 and 1500m in the able-bodied (regional level) but could not race these on the day due to a clash with NSW Opens.
Layla is now focusing on training up for Cross Country Season. Currently, she is the NSW Cross Country Champion with her coach and guide, a 2x Olympian @benny_saintgram from @run_crew who makes this possible for her to compete due to her vision impairment.
Layla was awarded $1,500 in 2020 from Sport Access Foundation and said "Thank you for all the work the Foundation is doing to support athletes like me and the dietician support that has been provided from @compeat_nutrition . “Your funding has helped me to cover the costs of entries into the major competitions and for the newest and best shoes. This has resulted in me achieving podium places and PBs throughout the season. @compeat_nutrition has been a game changer as my dietician Lauren has overhauled my dietary requirements in order for me to have energy and to use the fuel to run PBs consistently every time I hit the track.”
Layla is a para-athlete who is raising awareness about disabilities through athletics:
“Every time, no matter what place I come I always wait for everyone else to finish,” explained Layla. “I think it's really important to acknowledge everyone because it's such a great achievement just to make these events. It's really good to be inclusive and proud of everyone no matter where they finish and how it affects your placings.”
You can follow Layla at @laylasharprunning
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