Maybole: Kayleigh Haggo reaches Boccia quarter-finals at Paralympics

A world and European champion frame-runner, Kayleigh was devastated to find out her sport would not be included in the Paris 2024 Games.

A dream she’d had since she first started frame-running at 12, to compete at a Paralympics, seemed to be over.

But Kayleigh wasn’t willing to give it up, and she started playing boccia with the aim of making the ParalympicsGB team.

And she did exactly that, and she was one of two Brits who represented the nation in the Women's Individual BC2 competition over the past few days.

Her campaign began on Thursday, August 29, when her first ever Paralympic match ended in a 3-1 defeat against South Korea's Jeong Soyeong.

But after taking the positives from her performance, Kayleigh bounced back in terrific fashion the next day to pick up her first ever win at the games, taking down European Championship silver medallist Ana Correia of Portugal 6-2.

The win earned the Maybole athlete a spot in the quarter-finals which took place on Saturday, August 31.

Unfortunately, that is where Kayleigh's medal quest ended, for now, after a 8-2 loss to Gischa Zayana of Poland.

When the contest finished on Sunday, September 1, Zayana would pick up a bronze medal, and Kayliegh's other previous opponent, Soyeong, took silver.

The gold medal was one by Portuguese athlete Cristina Goncalves. 

Kayleigh will still have the chance to claim a medal of her own this week, with the Boccia team competition beginning on Tuesday, September 3.

Speaking after her individual effort, Kayleigh took immense pride in her performance.

She commented:  "Eighth at my first Paralympic Games.

"Unfortunately tonight wasn’t my night but to reach the quarter finals of the Paralympic Games after only two years in the sport is a massive achievement and one I am very proud of

"I now have a couple of days rest whilst supporting the rest of the team, and getting ready for the team competition, which starts on Tuesday."