Select a region
Para discus thrower Rachel Leck has become the first athlete in any para event to represent the island at a Commonwealth training camp.
Continuing in her ambitions to qualify for Glasgow 2026, Leck, who has cerebral palsy, is travelling to Mauritius to take part in the Commonwealth GAPS camp.
Having already represented England at the 2024 Manchester International, the former international para-powerlifter hopes her attendance for the camp will raise the profile of para sport in Jersey.
The GAPS camp - Gather Adjust Prepare Sustain - is a selective Commonwealth Games Federation preparatory programme for disabled athletes and their coaches from around the Commonwealth.
Leck's attendance at the camp is in hope that her event, the F38 women's discus, is included in the Glasgow 2026 para schedule after significant cuts were made to sporting events in an annoucement from organisers last month.
Being the first para athlete to represent Jersey at the camp, Leck said she is "incredibly proud".
Pictured: 28-year-old Leck is the first para athlete to represent Jersey at the training camp
"I'm incredibly honoured to represent Jersey on the GAPS Programme as I prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games," she continued.
"I am hoping to use this opportunity to highlight and grow para sports in our community. I look forward to gaining invaluable experience, training alongside other athletes, and gaining mental skills to further develop as an athlete.
“I hope to share what I learn back in Jersey, to help strengthen and expand para athletics and para sports in the Jersey community."
Leck’s coach, Catarina Hallden, had also been selected as one of three head coaches to lead the entire GAPS camp, but had to withdraw last-minute.
Jean Cross, Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey Vice-President, added: “We’re very proud to have an athlete and coach selected to attend a GAPS camp on behalf of CGAJ. The invite is testament to the time and effort Rachel has put in together in recent months, and it truly is well deserved.
“We hope this will provide Rachel with a platform to develop further, while also inspiring other athletes in Jersey, in all sports,” Ms Cross added.
"They told me I wasn't disabled enough"... Meet Rachel
WATCH: Para-lifter scoops up Champion title in England
WATCH: 'Novice' local weightlifter called up by Team GB
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.