AN AYR multiple world record holder says she had a “brilliant time” competing at an international boccia tournament in Poland.

Kayleigh Haggo, who was named one of the 30 most inspiring women aged under 30 by YMCA Scotland, Young Citizen of the Year by Ayr Rotary Club, and Up and Coming Youngster by West FM, swapped the athletics track for the boccia court as she competed at the Poznan World Boccia Challenger in Poland.

The 23-year-old also holds world records in frame-running across 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 5000m, but will now focus her attention on boccia - a sport similar to bocce, which was originally designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy, but now includes athletes with other severe disabilities including motor skills.

Kayleigh won her first match at the tournament on a tie-break, but lost her next game, meaning she didn’t make it through to the next round.

But despite that early exit Kayleigh said she was delighted at the progress she’d made in a sport she’s only been playing for a few months.

Posting on Twitter at the weekend, Kayleigh said: “I’ve had a brilliant time at the Poznan 2022 World Boccia Intercontinental Challenger. J

"ust to be selected for my first international competition for Boccia UK was a massive achievement and to win my first match on a tie-break end was so exciting.

“Unfortunately I lost my second match meaning I didn’t process to the next round. I just wish I had more matches to play.

“I’m looking forward to getting back into training when I’m home, playing at more competitions and improving on my skills.

“I also got internationally classified here in Poland which went really well. Exciting times ahead!

“I still have so much to practice and so much to learn. I have only been playing since February and I need to remember that.”

Kayleigh works as a project coordinator at Inspire South Ayrshire, a sport inclusion project for people with impairments based in Girvan.

She also makes regular visits to schools across South Ayrshire to give talks and support teachers in how to involve impaired children in physical education lessons.