Eighteen‑year‑old para‑athlete Layla Sharp has revealed herself to be one of Australia’s brightest rising stars, after delivering a stunning performance at the West Australian State Championships that rewrote the record books twice in two days.
A proud Biripi and Darug woman and an alumna of Emmaus Catholic College in Parramatta, Sharp competes in the T38 Multi Class Ambulatory category.
Known for her explosive speed and exceptional technique, she soared into national headlines by breaking the Australian long jump record before returning the next day to extend it further with a remarkable 4.83‑metre leap.
Sharp’s athletic journey began years earlier, when she delivered an exceptional performance at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships in 2025, as a Year 12 student, earning the title of 16–19 years Multiclass Age Champion.
Her dominance across multiple events was evident as she claimed first place in the Girls 16+ 100m, 200m, 800m, and discus.
Most recently, she represented Australia at the 2005 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, where she competed in the 200m and 400m T38 events. But it is the long jump where she has truly made her mark this month, delivering performances that signal a new era in para‑athletics.
Her rise has been steady and impressive. From earning the Catholic Schools NSW Vince Villa Award in 2025 to claiming consecutive national records, Sharp’s achievements highlight her talent and relentless determination.
Robert Rush, director of sport services at Catholic Schools NSW, praised her impact on and off the field. “Layla Sharp is not only an exceptional athlete, but someone who strives to make those around her better,” he said.
“Her recent achievement in breaking two Australian long jump records highlights her talent and determination. She embodies our Catholic virtues of humility in success, courage in challenge, generosity in spirit, and a genuine care for those around her, and CSNSW is incredibly proud of her accomplishments.”
As she continues to soar to new heights, Sharp is inspiring a generation of young athletes, especially within the Catholic Schools and NSWCCC communities. With performances like these, the future of Australian para‑sport looks brighter than ever.
