Western Sydney University student Jasmine Haydon has made headlines again, this time for winning a silver medal in the Women’s Boccia BC3 event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. Haydon, alongside her teammate Jamieson Leeson and ramp operator Jasmine Hayden, fought their way to the final Gold Medal match but were narrowly defeated by the team from Hong Kong.

At just 23 years old, Haydon, a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy student, is already balancing her academic commitments with her sporting ambitions. Her journey to the Paralympics has been deeply influenced by her personal experiences and her dedication to helping others.

“I’ve always wanted to support people like my siblings,” Haydon said. “Seeing firsthand the positive impact of Occupational Therapy on their lives inspired me to pursue this field and work in pediatric rehabilitation.”

Her commitment to the field of Occupational Therapy was reinforced through her studies and work experiences. After leaving high school to complete a Certificate III Traineeship in Childcare, Haydon developed a passion for working with children with disabilities. This led her to further studies in Allied Health Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, eventually enrolling at Western Sydney University.

Supported by the GO Foundation Aboriginal Allied Health Scholarship, Haydon has been able to focus on her dual passions of academics and athletics. She is currently studying part-time to accommodate her rigorous training schedule.

Haydon’s journey into Boccia began in an unexpected way. Her mother spotted a Facebook post looking for a new Ramp Operator for Leeson, who had previously been supported by her mother. With her mother’s encouragement, Haydon took on the role, which involved meticulous coordination without direct communication with her partner during matches.

“My role as a Ramp Operator is to follow Jamieson’s directions precisely to help us achieve the best results,” Haydon explained. “It’s a challenging but rewarding experience, and I’m proud to be part of this team.”