Just two years ago Kayleigh Haggo’s world came crashing down...and she thought her Paralympic hopes were all but over.
A world and European champion frame-runner, Kayleigh, from Maybole, was devastated to find out her sport would not be included in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
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.
Kayleigh even left her job to give herself the best possible chance. From having played boccia only a handful of times in two years she reached 13th in the world rankings and was last month named in the boccia team for Paris 2024.
"To find out was amazing," Kayleigh said.
"I knew the call was coming but had no idea I was going to be selected. I was over the moon.
“My dream from an early age was to go to a Paralympic Games, so when it was announced that frame running wouldn’t be included in Paris I couldn’t believe it.
“After I got over the shock I thought I need to find something else. I went on the Boccia UK website and they were looking for new athletes at the time, I filled out the form and it went from there.
“I got in the Scotland team quite early on. I won the Scottish championship about three months after I started.
"I think because I’d had that experience of competing at a high level already, at world and European championships, that really helped me.
“When I started I obviously had the goal of Paris but I didn’t think that was very likely. I had an eye on LA [where the Games will be held in 2028].
"It’s crazy to think I’ve made it to Paris in a different sport to the one I’ve been best at most of my life.
“Once I got training with boccia, and started playing world class players and competing with them, I knew I had a chance.”
The 25-year-old held world records in frame running over six different distances - 100, 200, 400, 800, 1500 and 5000 metres.
Had frame-running featured in Paris, a significant medal haul for the South Ayrshire native looked to be achievable.
Kayleigh, who has cerebral palsy, admits the transition from high intensity races that are over in seconds to mentally intense boccia events, which can last for days, was a difficult one.
“The biggest difference between the sports has been mentally. With frame running, when I had a bad day I could just go out for a run and clear my head.
"During competitions races are over quickly. Boccia is a long sport; during competitions you can be there for five or six days in a row.
"Adjusting to that and keeping mentally sharp for that period of time has been challenging. It’s totally different but I feel like I’m used to it now.”
The Paralympics in Paris run from August 28 to September 8.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here