Layla’s Journey: Running Towards Her Dreams And Inspiring Inclusive Sport For All!
You may not have heard her name yet, but Layla Sharpe is a rising star in the athletics world! From an early age, Layla had a passion for athletics, and after being diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, her sheer resilience, talent and determination has allowed her to break barriers, encourage inclusion and accomplish some impressive goals in the para-athletics space.
As one of Maple’s amazing ambassadors, we had the privilege of sitting down with Layla to hear all about the triumphs and challenges that make up her journey. We’re so excited to share her story with you, and hope it inspires you to strive for greatness!
Championing Disability Inclusion in Sport: Layla Sharpe’s Journey
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? And, How would you describe yourself to others?
“My name is Layla, and I have both Aboriginal and European heritage. I’m 17 years old and currently in Year 12. I’ve been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and have been involved in athletics for eight years. I compete in the T38 classification for athletics and love the beach, and my pet dogs and cats.”
Which sports or physical activities do you enjoy? And, what initially inspired you to get involved?
“I primarily focus on athletics. My inspiration came through school—when I was in primary school, I used to compete in able-bodied events because I wasn’t aware of the para pathway at the time. This was back in 2016–2017. I started running casually because my brother and his friends did, and it was just something everyone seemed to do.
Eventually, my mum discovered that there was a para pathway, so I got classified. By midway through Year 4, I was officially classified, which allowed me to compete at my first nationals at the end of 2017. I missed the cut-off for cross-country classification, so I competed in the able-bodied category for that event, though not at the national level.”
How Inclusion in Disabiltity Sport Has Shaped Layla’s Life
How has playing sports influenced your overall well-being, including your emotional health, self-confidence, social interactions, relationships, and physical fitness?
“Athletics keeps me fit and healthy, and it has also given me the opportunity to travel across Australia. Over my eight years in the sport, I’ve visited all seven states and two territories, competing in both athletics and a bit of cross-country.
It also provides a great balance with school. Every April, I compete at nationals—this year, I’ll be heading to Perth. I actually just returned from the Perth Track Classic two weeks ago, which was an invited and funded event. It was an amazing experience, and it was nice to have a break from school.
Sports improve my well-being by helping me maintain a balance between academics and social life. Since I’m in Year 12, I have a lot to manage, but athletics ensures I’m not overloading on study. It also allows me to connect with friends, both at school and in training. I’ve built strong friendships with people from different states through athletics, which has been really rewarding.”
Have you experienced any unexpected benefits or improvements in your life since you started participating in sports?
“Travel has been the biggest unexpected benefit. Before athletics, I would take the occasional family trip, mostly to places like Queensland, where we have relatives, or around New South Wales. I probably wouldn’t have chosen to visit places like Darwin in 2019 or Tasmania, but athletics took me there.
Sports essentially determine my holiday destinations each year, which has given me incredible experiences. The competition schedule also works out well because nationals mark the end of the season in April. After nationals, I get a few days to relax, whereas during the season, I avoid unnecessary travel as it can be exhausting.”
Turning Disability and Inclusion Obstacles into Opportunities
What challenges or obstacles have you encountered when participating in sports, and how have you managed or overcome them?
“My disability means I have to approach training differently than an able-bodied athlete. Some exercises that work for others don’t benefit me, so I have to modify my training routine. While my classification ensures I compete against athletes with similar abilities, I still need to adapt my training methods.
Over time, I’ve learned which stretches and exercises work best for me. It’s all about understanding my own body and its limits. Having the right support team—doctors, physiotherapists, and coaches who are knowledgeable about my condition—has been crucial. That’s probably the biggest challenge, but it’s also what has led to so many of my opportunities and successes. In a way, my disability has shaped my journey in a positive direction.”
Embracing Supports To Achieve Success
Have you had any formal support—such as coaching or occupational therapy—along your sports journey? If so, how have these supports influenced your skills, confidence, or overall development?
“I’ve had coaching and physiotherapy, which have been instrumental in my development. Coaching helps me refine my speed and technique, while physiotherapy ensures I’m training within my physical limits and addressing any potential issues.
Doctors and specialists also provide guidance on what’s typical for my disability and what adjustments I should make. Without their input, it would take much longer to figure things out on my own. Their expertise helps improve my skills and translates into better performance in my sport. By focusing on specific areas, they help me enhance my speed and form, which directly impacts my times and creates more opportunities for me as an athlete.”
Shaping A New Era of Inclusion for People with Disability in Sport
What advice, information, and support would you offer to someone living with a disability who is considering getting involved in sports?
“Believe in yourself and follow your passion. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many opportunities available to us now. If you look back 50 to 100 years, disabled people didn’t have the same access to sports. Now, thanks to advocacy for inclusion and the work of those before us, we have pathways and support systems in place.
There are so many organisations and programs dedicated to supporting athletes with disabilities. In athletics, for example, we have para coordinators and pathways specifically designed to help disabled athletes. But it’s not just athletics—sports like swimming, badminton, cricket, and AFL all have adapted pathways for different disabilities.
I would also encourage people to start somewhere, even if that means competing in able-bodied events at first. It helps with overall development and can be beneficial for managing your disability. Today, having a disability is no longer seen as a limitation. There is a lot of support and visibility, with para-athletics even crossing over into able-bodied events. More people are recognising that disability doesn’t define a person, and now is an amazing time to get involved in sports.”
Unlocking Your Potential
Layla’s journey is a powerful reminder that passion, perseverance, and the right support can help us achieve our dreams, no matter the obstacles we face. From her early days in athletics to becoming a rising star in the para-athletics world, Layla shows us that living with a disability is not a limitation—it’s an opportunity to break barriers and inspire others. We might not be flying across the track but like Layla, we can all achieve anything we set our minds to. Like making inclusion in sports a reality. We’re excited to see where her journey takes her next!
