Kerrie Leonard, one of Ireland’s most accomplished Para archers and a two time Paralympian, has officially announced her retirement from international competition. Her departure marks the end of a distinguished career spanning over a decade at the highest level.
Leonard, who began archery as a teenager following a spinal cord injury sustained in 1997, made her senior international debut in 2012. Over the years, she steadily rose through the ranks, achieving notable success on both European and world stages. She represented Ireland at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and again at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in the Women’s Compound Open category.
Among her notable achievements, Kerrie Leonard finished 9th at the 2015 World Championships placed second at the 2016 European Para Archery Championships. She is also a multiple-time Irish Women’s Compound National Champion, securing the title in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, Leonard reached the round of 16 (finishing 9th overall), and at Paris 2024 she again competed in the elimination rounds. making it to the final 16 stage.
Speaking about her retirement, Leonard said: “The lasting impact of the last 13 years on me cannot be understated and I’m so honoured to have represented my country to the best of my ability and I’m proud to know that the Irish flag flew in spaces it wouldn’t ordinarily have if it were not for my participation. I don’t think I fulfilled my potential but I exceeded all of the expectations for myself and I’m truly grateful.”
“In so many has it has moulded me into the woman I am today and it has enriched me in more ways than I can even start to name. This is in no small part thanks to my fellow archers, internationally and at home: my friends and peers. That bond has left a mark on me and make this even more of a difficult decision.”
Outside of sport, Leonard has been a strong advocate for accessibility and farm safety, drawing from her personal experiences growing up on a family farm in County Meath. She holds a degree in Equine Business from NUI Maynooth and a Master’s in Marketing from University College Dublin.
Leonard’s career has left a lasting impression on Ireland’s Para-sport landscape with her retirement opens a new chapter, with future plans expected to focus on advocacy, mentorship, and continued involvement in the promotion of disability sports.
Career Achievements
- Two-time Paralympian: Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024
- Second place at the 2016 European Para Archery Championships
- Irish Women’s Compund National Champion 2019, 2022 2023, 2024
- 9th at the Tokyo Paralympic Games
- 17th at the Paris Paralympic Games
