The parathlete aims to participate in the Games in two years.
The Brighton-based sprinter, who is targeting her first Paralympic Games, has spoken of her determination to reach the global stage after her rapid rise through the world of international para-athletics. Lana Sutton, who lives with cerebral palsy, is aiming to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics after making the switch from rugby to athletics to compete in the Irish Paralympics. He has already reached the sprint final at his first World Para Athletics Championships and this progress shows how quickly new talent can emerge in the sport.
From University Rugby to the Paralympic Road
Sutton, 27, moved to Brighton while studying at university and later decided to settle in the city, juggling full-time work and a demanding teaching schedule. Although athletics had long attracted him, he initially participated in rugby. He then switched to sprinting, a decision that completely transformed his athletic ambitions.
As attention gradually turns to the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, interest in athletics is growing beyond the track. Major global events generate excitement and engagement, including betting on the Olympics across many different types of platforms. There are traditional bookmakers, of course, but some users are exploring alternatives such as betting sites without IDwhich are known for faster login and fewer verification steps. Crypto betting sites also offer many different payment and withdrawal methods. These are the options that form part of the betting environment, which usually sees a lot of activity during the Olympic and Paralympic competitions.
Sutton’s own journey into elite sport was fully accelerated when he began to devote himself fully to athletics. He was selected to represent Ireland at the Paralympic Games and then made his international debut at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi in October 2025.
A strong first impression on the world stage
Classification T38 includes athletes with coordination disorders. This is the classification that Sutton advocates. He reached the finals of the 100m and 200m at the New Delhi Championships. For a novice athlete in international competitions, the achievement was a significant, impressive score.
His speed and race performance were also effective against many established world rivals. Sutton said it also confirms his belief that he can compete and be successful at the international level. It’s the kind of mindset he said was essential to lifting from domestic competition to the global stage.
Those results put Sutton in a strong position An emerging picture of Irish para-athletics as preparations begin to gather momentum for the next Paralympic cycle.
Compete with cerebral palsy
Sutton’s cerebral palsy affects the left side of his body, and this leads to stiffness and balance difficulties, which are especially evident in sprint starts. He uses adaptive sports equipment in the form of a coil covered with a metal rod that allows him to support his weight with his left arm.
Without this peg, maintaining a stable starting position would be a much more difficult task for him. In doing so, however, he has been able to improve his technique and remain competitive in the early stages of his races.
Adapting for LA 400m
One of the major adjustments Sutton is making now involves a change in the focus of events. There will be no 200m in his classification at the Los Angeles Paralympics, so he will have to move up to the 400m.
A longer sprint requires a completely different approach, where he must combine the endurance of speed with the feel of a tactical gait. Sutton has already started matching her training to the event. He balances development in the 400m while maintaining his sprinting base.
His long-term planning and adaptability are evident here, and both will be important as qualification criteria and selection criteria take shape over the coming years.
Training base in Brighton
Sutton continues to train several times a week at Brighton & Hove Athletic Club. Sprint head coach Dan Brooker described his progress as obvious from the start. He noted that his raw speed was special, even while he was still settling into the club environment.
Sutton has been loyal and consistent, according to Brooker. Structured coaching has helped him make a quick transition from local competitions to international finals.
Now stretching towards Los Angeles 2028, Sutton is still training at Brighton while building his international career. She is dedicated to combining her training and long-term ambitions to fully pursue her first Paralympic appearance.
