MARIA LYLE

Cerebral palsy is an incurable disorder that affects muscles, the ability to coordinate movements and balance. It is usually caused by brain damage at birth or in infancy and it’s one of the most common childhood disorders. Aged 14, Maria Lyle is one of these children affected by cerebral palsy. However, what sets Maria apart from other children is that she is a Paralympics European champion, having won both the 100 and 200 metre sprint races at the International Paralympics Championships in  Swansea, UK in August 2014. Not only that, but even though she is only 14, Maria competes against adult paralympians, and currently holds two world records. Maria, who is from Scotland, was first diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was two years old. Her parents, and particularly her mother who teaches Physical Education, encouraged Maria to take up running to strengthen her muscles and improve her coordination.

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