A Sussex-based athlete says she is aiming to qualify for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles despite being new to the international sport.
Lana Sutton, who has cerebral palsy, played rugby in college before turning to professional track and field.
advertise
The 27-year-old told the BBC she wanted to represent Ireland because her father is Irish.
Qualifying for the Los Angeles Olympics “means everything to her,” she added.
Sutton said she had always wanted to compete in track and field, which prompted her to try and qualify for the Irish Paralympic team.
“I believe I can go international,” she said.
Sutton was subsequently selected to represent Ireland at the Paralympic Games and competed in her first World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in October 2025, reaching the 100m and 200m finals.
She competes in the T38 category, which includes athletes with coordination difficulties.
advertise
Cerebral palsy affects the left side of her body, causing stiffness and balance problems.
Lana Sutton competes in her first World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in October 2025 [Getty Images]
The athlete said her condition made it more difficult to maintain a starting position in sprint races.
“I wear a splint that has a metal rod running along my thumb that allows me to put my weight on my left hand,” Sutton explained.
“I have no muscle in my thumb, so I can’t put my hand down without it.”
Sutton said exercise changed her life, adding that it helped improve her athleticism and strength.
“I don’t think I would be as strong as I am now and I definitely wouldn’t be as happy as I am now without exercise,” she said.
advertise
Ms Sutton came to Brighton as a student and decided to settle in the city.
While working full-time, she also trains several times a week at Brighton and Hove Sports Club.
Dan Brooke, the club’s sprint coach, said “it would be incredible” if Sutton qualified for the 2028 Paralympics.
“When Lana first came [to our club] She was very quiet,” he said.
“But we saw her speed from day one, so we knew good things were going to happen.”
Sutton is currently training for the 400m as there will be no 200m event in her category at the Los Angeles Olympics.
Follow BBC Sussex Facebookexist Xand about Instagram. Send your story ideas to south east today@bbc.co.uk Or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
advertise