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.
