Hayley Sands

Hayley Sands first picked up a paddle in 2017 and just two short years later was representing her country on the world stage at the Thailand Open.

At age 13, while learning to dive in the family’s backyard pool, Hayley Sands suffered a spinal injury that left her unable to walk.

She suffered whiplash as she hit the water, causing a C4/C5 incomplete spinal cord injury.

Hayley spent eight months at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in South Australia.

A few years after becoming a tetraplegic, Hayley was introduced to table tennis at a Paralympics Australia Come and Try Day.

She wanted to get involved in the community and meet new people, especially those with similar injuries.

The Paralympic table tennis hopeful had always been a sporty kid and is now one to watch on the court.

For Hayley, representing Australia at a Paralympic Games would be not only incredible but a representation of all the hard work she’s put into the game.

Outside of training, Hayley is an Interior Designer and enjoys cooking, travelling and art.