Tauranga athlete Hayley Little is proving that taking a leap of faith can change everything.

Hayley discovered Special Olympics during a Covid lockdown, signing up after wondering if she would ever be “good enough” to compete.

Three years later, she’s not only a regular on the Tauranga athletics team – she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Since making her debut at the 2022 National Summer Games in Hamilton, Hayley has been blitzing the field in multiple events and collecting placings she once thought were out of reach.

This week in Christchurch, she opened her campaign in the long jump by landing a strong 3.02m in her first attempt of the day, with her proud mum Judy, long-time athletics coach Ethney Barnaby and teammates cheering her on.

“It was a little overwhelming to start with, but I’m so excited to be here – the atmosphere is great,” Hayley said moments after completing her first event.

Having gone on to run the 400m in a time of 1m 28s as the second fastest time of the heats, Hayley will finish the day as part of the Tauranga mixed 4x100m relay team alongside teammates Te Huia Apaapa, Tiara Taylor and Mitchell Brown.

Hayley said Special Olympics gave her something she’d never experienced before, the feeling of belonging and the thrill of competing.

“I’d always come last. I was the odd one out,” she said. “Joining Special Olympics changed that completely.”

Besides competing nationally, she represented New Zealand at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, competing in athletics (track) and demonstrating her determination despite lifelong health challenges such as spina bifida.

Her journey, from hospital stays to international competition, has made her an advocate for inclusion and she is known for her resilience, personal bests and ability to inspire through her speeches and lived experience.

Now an Athlete Leader, Hayley’s using her own journey to empower others.

She mentors fellow Tauranga athlete Mitchell Brown, supporting him through the Athlete Leadership Programme that she completed last year.

“It’s a big step, but it’s all about helping him be the best Mitch,” she said.

Barnaby was equally proud of her entire athletics squad competing in Christchurch.

What began as a six-week coaching commitment has become 17 years of involvement in Special Olympics.

She has high hopes for the relay team after months of practice.

“Keeping the baton moving is such a difficult cognitive skill to master,” she said.

“If they can manage smooth transitions today, that’s a win in my books, no matter where they place.”

For Hayley, the message is simple: set a goal and chase it.

“Every day’s a challenge – so let’s embrace it.”

-Content supplied by Special Olympics New Zealand