Her disabilities get in the way of pursuing sporting success.
At 17, Layla Sharp is already breaking records and competing on the world stage. Living with cerebral palsy and vision impairment, her journey shows how Variety Heart Scholarships help young people access coaching, equipment and opportunities to pursue their dreams and live without limits.
Cranebrook’s Layla Sharp, who lives with cerebral palsy and vision impairment, has never let her disabilities get in the way of pursuing sporting success.
Layla first received a Variety Heart Scholarship in 2018 as a determined 10-year-old with a big dream – to represent Australia.
Now 17, Layla is the Australian T38 800m record holder and the 2024 NSW Para Women’s 400m champion, having received over $30,000 in support from Variety NSW since her journey began.
In 2025, Layla achieved her lifelong goal by qualifying for the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, where she competed in the 200m and 400m events. She placed 8th in the world for the 400m and 11th for the 200m, an outstanding debut on the international stage.
Focused and ambitious, Layla is now refining her race strategy and chasing new goals – the Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics.
“My Variety Heart Scholarships have meant the world to me,” Layla said. “They’ve allowed me to compete, access expert coaching and the latest equipment that I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Every record I’ve broken and every title I’ve won wouldn’t have been possible without Variety’s support. I’m forever grateful for their belief in young people like me and all that they do to help kids dreams come true.”
To follow Layla’s amazing sporting journey, please check out her Facebook page here: Layla Sharp Athletics
Check out this message from Layla where she talks about what receiving a Variety Heart Scholarship has meant for her.
“A massive thank you to Variety for your full support in Layla’s athletic journey. Layla has received a scholarship from Variety since 2019, without them it would be so expensive for all the events that Layla does to achieve her goal of becoming a Paralympian.
As a result each time she sets records or wins she thanks Variety for all they do in achieving her dreams.
We love Variety, without Variety Layla would not be where she is today.”
– Sam Sharp, Layla’s Mum
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