Kayleigh Haggo
I absolutely loved attending Ayrshire Sportsabiliy and Scottish Disability Sport events with the school. Not only was it a day out of school (which is always a bonus), it was a great opportunity to meet new people and try different sports. At one of these events, I was identified by staff members for being a potential competitive athlete in swimming and athletics, and this is where my sporting carer began. I am now current (2019) World Champion and gold medalist in the Women’s RR2/3 100m. I also hold the World records for 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m distances (2020). My goal for the future is to compete at the Paralympics in Paris 2024.
Pupil Questions
What were you like as a pupil at Carrick Academy? How does this differ/stay the same to how you are as a person now?
I was hard working as an individual but also enjoyed group work. I always tried my best in every subject, but at the end of the day, couldn’t wait to get home to go swimming or to the athletics track.
I would say this is very much similar to how I am as a person now. Physical activity and sport really helps me clear my mind after a busy day at work.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I would have to say the guidance and pupil support teachers had the biggest influence on me as a pupil. They understood my disability well and treated me the same as everyone else. I was, and still am a very independent person but they made me realise that it’s ok to ask for help.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
Towards the end of sixth year, I knew I enjoyed working with children and young people in a sports setting, but I was unsure of which carer path I wanted to take. I didn’t want to jump into anything so I went to college for a year to study sports coaching and development before taking it further and getting my degree at university. I now work for South Ayrshire Active Schools and run a disability sport project called Inspire which encourages children, young people and adults with a disability or additional support need to lead active, healthy and happy lives.
In terms of my carer as an athlete, I hope one day to be a full time athlete training for a Paralympic Games.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
It has taken a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication, not only from myself, but from my family too. From this, I have learned a very positive and growth mindset which has enabled me to achieve my success.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
Work hard, believe in yourself and always strive to be the best version of you.
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
I was hard working as an individual but also enjoyed group work. I always tried my best in every subject, but at the end of the day, couldn’t wait to get home to go swimming or to the athletics track.
I would say this is very much similar to how I am as a person now. Physical activity and sport really helps me clear my mind after a busy day at work.
During your time at Carrick, which teacher/teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why do you think this was the case?
I would have to say the guidance and pupil support teachers had the biggest influence on me as a pupil. They understood my disability well and treated me the same as everyone else. I was, and still am a very independent person but they made me realise that it’s ok to ask for help.
Was the career path you took the one that you had originally planned? If not, what were your aspirations at school?
Towards the end of sixth year, I knew I enjoyed working with children and young people in a sports setting, but I was unsure of which carer path I wanted to take. I didn’t want to jump into anything so I went to college for a year to study sports coaching and development before taking it further and getting my degree at university. I now work for South Ayrshire Active Schools and run a disability sport project called Inspire which encourages children, young people and adults with a disability or additional support need to lead active, healthy and happy lives.
In terms of my carer as an athlete, I hope one day to be a full time athlete training for a Paralympic Games.
How hard has it been to have success in your field? What has enabled you to achieve your success?
It has taken a lot of hard work, discipline and dedication, not only from myself, but from my family too. From this, I have learned a very positive and growth mindset which has enabled me to achieve my success.
What words of advice would you give the current pupils of Carrick Academy in relation to school and life beyond school?
Work hard, believe in yourself and always strive to be the best version of you.
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.