Rachel Leck, a 28-year-old discus thrower from Jersey, is setting her sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games following a meteoric rise in the sport. A former Para-powerlifter, Leck transitioned to Para-athletics four years ago and has since seen her personal best in discus improve by an impressive 10 meters, currently standing at 29.01m. This rapid progress earned her a spot in the England squad, where she recently claimed gold in the F38 category at the Manchester International meeting.
Leck’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. She first picked up the discus only two years ago while recovering from a serious ankle injury. Her dedication to the sport, despite juggling a full-time job, has led her to dream of representing Jersey on the world’s biggest stage. With the guidance of her coach, Cat Hallden, Leck is aiming to reach a 30-meter throw, a critical milestone on her path to competing at the Paralympics.
Inspired by fellow Channel Islander Alastair Chalmers, who competed in the Paris Olympics, Leck hopes to inspire the next generation of Para-athletes. “I’m definitely aiming towards Los Angeles 2028, and hopefully before then the Commonwealth Games in 2026,” Leck said with determination.
Coach Hallden is confident in Leck’s potential, noting her incredible work ethic and strength, honed from her weightlifting background. “We just have some more work to do before we reach that next milestone,” Hallden stated.
With her eyes firmly on Los Angeles 2028, Rachel Leck is not only aiming to make history for herself but also to inspire future athletes from Jersey to pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.
