Layla Sharp breaking records on the way to the top of Australian Para-athletics

Passion and determination can overcome any obstacle- Layla Sharp is living proof of that.The 11-year-old from St Marys is peripherally blind and one of the country’s top young Para athletes

Layla Sharp is a nominee for the Penrith Press' Local Sports Stars competition.

• Nominate local sporting talent
• Mikayla Kumar and Holly Gavin claim Penrith Press’ top Local Sports Star awards for 2018

Passion and determination can overcome any obstacle- Layla Sharp is living proof of that.

The 11-year-old from St Marys is peripherally blind and one of the country’s top young Para athletes.

Despite being the youngest competitor on the track at the 2019 NSW Open Athletics Championships, Layla shattered two longstanding records on the way to claiming under-20 800m gold with a time of 2.54 and under-20 1500m gold with a time of 6.06.

Layla credits her stellar results to her strict training routine.

“I train four to five times per week,” she said.

“I’ll train in the rain or sun, it doesn’t bother me. I’m very self-critical and am always looking at new ways to improve and reduce times.

“I also do stretches each morning and night.”

Layla Sharp in action in the 800m at the Pacific School Games.

Her success isn’t just limited to the track however as she came away from the NSW Junior Athletics Championships with a bronze medal in long jump.

“I am peripherally blind and have no depth perception, yet due to my training and also passion in the field events I have managed to measure and memorise the white line,” Layla said.

“I am also now competing in state swimming for Para girls in freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke and what’s more inspiring is doing it with normal goggles as I am still waiting for my prescription goggles.

“I have set goals this year to achieve high levels in not only athletics but also cross country and swimming.”

Nominations are now open for the Local Sports Stars awards for talented youngsters aged 18 and under.

For more details go to localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal