DISCUS thrower Rachel Leck is bound for Mauritius this weekend as Jersey’s first field athlete representative on a Commonwealth Sport GAPS training camp.
Leck (28) is travelling to the Indian Ocean isle with the aim of continuing her progress on the para-athletics stage, having already represented England at the 2024 Manchester International.
The former international para-powerlifter, who has cerebral palsy, is targeting qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, providing her event – the F38 women’s discus – is included on the schedule.
Leck’s coach, Catarina Hallden, had also been selected as one of three head coaches to lead the entire GAPS camp, but she has had to withdraw at late notice.
Leck said: “I’m incredibly honoured to represent Jersey on the GAPS Programme as I prepare for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“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.”
GAPS (Gather. Adjust. Prepare. Sustain) is a Commonwealth Games Federation initiative that promotes inclusive sporting pathways across the Commonwealth, by removing barriers to participation for people with a disability. It is also a strong advocate for the involvement women and girls in sport.
Jean Cross, Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey vice-president, said: “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.”
