Rachel Leck – para athlete (discus)
Para thrower Rachel Leck broke new ground for Jersey earlier this month with a first GAPS appearance on international soil.
The Islander spent ten days learning from some of the Commonwealth’s top coaches in Mauritius, and believes she has benefited hugely from training as part of an elite group of para athletes with global goals.
And the journey in Commonwealth Games Association of Jersey colours was coupled with further positive news, thanks to her selection for UK Athletics Paralympic Futures Academy on the approach to Los Angeles 2028.
GAPS 2024
- Was the GAPS 2024 camp as you expected, in terms of training content and its ability to inspire?
“The GAPS training camp provided high-quality training and a supportive environment to grow as an athlete and an advocate for inclusion in sports. The programme exposed me to a whole world of athletes with which I previously had no experience. I gained knowledge and skills outside of physical training that I can carry forward in life.”
- What was the best part of the GAPS camp?
“The best part was training alongside other athletes from diverse backgrounds and sharing experiences that highlighted the power sports can have in breaking barriers. By training with people who share a variety of perspectives and journeys, I was able to challenge myself mentally and physically, growing as a person as well as an athlete.”
- What have you learned from it?
“I’ve learnt new technical skills, improved mental resilience and gained valuable knowledge about anti-doping and athlete welfare. I also discovered more power within myself to act as a mentor for younger athletes with a disability who may be struggling with a sense of belonging in sport.”
Paralympic Futures Academy
- How did you find out about your selection? What was the criteria?
“I found out by a phone call just before I went away to Mauritius, but I couldn’t say anything, apart from to my coaches, until it was officially announced. The criteria for selection are commitment, performance consistency at Championships, and future performance potential.”
- What will the Paralmypic Futures Academy entail over the next four years?
“The programme provides access to elite coaching through training camps and workshops, and performance support through feedback on technical and physical abilities. I will gain access to high-performance facilities, mentorship and exposure to international level competitions and training, to help set a pathway for long-term success.
A range of performance services will help me target development for events like the 2028 Paralympics, and selection for year two of the programme will depend on my performance next year.”
- What are your goals for 2025? Have they changed as a result of your GAPS experience and Futures Academy selection?
“My goals for 2025 are to qualify for one of the World Para Athletics Grand Prix events and the World Para Athletics Championships, through improving my throwing distances and performances with the help of the Futures Programme.
“The GAPS programme helped me realise that I am passionate about advocating for para-athletics and para-sports in Jersey and my goal is to inspire the next generation of athletes. I want to act as a mentor where I can and share my experiences.”