Maybole paralympian Kayleigh Haggo is putting racerunning in the world spotlight after winning a silver medal in the WPA European Championships. 

The 19-year-old is among the sporting stars blazing a trail in racerunning which was introduced to the championships in Berlin for the first time. 

Representing Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Kayleigh set her sights on securing a medal and personal best – at the same time helping raise the profile of this fast-growing sport. And for Aberdeen Standard Investments-sponsored Kayleigh, the ultimate goal would be to compete in the discipline in the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. 

Kayleigh told the Advertiser of her win: “It feels incredible. This is my first time representing my country and it’s been an absolute honour. To come away with a medal is the icing on the cake. 

“I’m really happy with my performances and looking forward to see what next season brings. It’s been a great experience.” 

She added: “I started racerunning at the age of 12 then had four years out to focus on swimming, but it’s great being back. It’s fast, it’s challenging, and I love the sense of freedom and independence that racerunning gives. 

“To have racerunning at the European Championships is a big plus for para athletics and this will give the sport wider recognition. The take-up is increasing across the world and, while it won’t be part of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020, hopes are high that it could feature as a competitive sport in the France 2024 Paralympic Games. That would be incredible.” 

Kayleigh has a form of cerebral palsy which affects her balance and motor skills. She has risen to glory as a para athlete and has won three golds in the European Paralympic Youth Games, set 13 world records and four national age group records in swimming, racerunning and club throw sports. 

Kayleigh’s racing trike will soon be undergoing modifications, meaning that the championships marked the end of her competitive season for the year. But that doesn’t mean the teen’s strict training regime ends, and the coming months will focus on conditioning and endurance work to start building for next season with eyes on the world championships in Dubai in 2019 and the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. 

This comes over and above Kayleigh’s job as a swimming teacher in Girvan and a sports coaching and development student at the University of West Scotland. She is also a sports coach and motivational speaker, volunteering with the Scottish Disability Sport and has won numerous awards for her achievements. 

Jill Maxwell, head of sponsorship at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting such a bright young talent like Kayleigh who lets nothing come in her way of sporting success. She’s a great role model and an inspiration for others and we’re pleased to be supporting her in her ambitions for the future by helping to fund this tri-ride. 

“We look forward to seeing Kayleigh making her mark in racerunning and in turn raising the profile of this sport – and hopefully achieving her dream of being able to compete in the discipline in future Paralympics.”