ND Celebration Week 2025: Beyond the Label – A New Kind of Athlete Storytelling
Introduction
2024 was a year of big change for our team at Neurodiverse Sport, as co-founders Caragh and Mikey welcomed a new member to their family. With that joyful milestone came a natural shift in our capacity, and while we weren’t able to host a large in-person gathering in 2025, we were determined to keep the momentum of Neurodiversity Celebration Week alive. Instead, we hosted three evening webinars and a smaller—but deeply moving—panel event that marked the launch of an inspiring photography project: Beyond the Label.
On 22nd March 2025, at 95 Mary Street, Sheffield, we unveiled Beyond the Label—a portrait series created in collaboration with photographer Jade Sellick. The project captures the experiences of neurodivergent athletes—from university competitors to Olympians—in ways that words alone often can’t. The launch event combined striking photography with live discussion, offering an honest and powerful reframe of what it means to succeed in sport.
Caragh McMurtry and our newest addition to the team
Why Beyond the Label?
Athletes are so often defined by medals, stats, and results. But the journeys—the hidden struggles, the quiet wins, the resilience built over time—rarely get told. For neurodivergent athletes, those stories are even more likely to be overlooked or misunderstood.
As autistic Olympian and Neurodiverse Sport co-founder Caragh McMurtry reflected.
“We’re still stuck in a system that isn’t built for minds like ours, and too many athletes are being forced to adapt to environments that don’t accommodate them. It doesn’t have to be this way.” - Caragh
Beyond the Label challenges this imbalance, showing that neurodivergence is not simply a challenge—it can be an asset, fuelling creativity, resilience, and unique ways of thinking.
Jade Sellick
Portraits with Purpose
Photographer Jade Sellick explained her vision for the project.
“Photography has this ability to pause the noise and capture what’s really there—someone’s presence, their truth, not just their performance…
Athletes are so often photographed at their peak, mid-action or holding medals. I wanted to do the opposite: to show the quiet moments that usually go unseen.
For me, storytelling is about honesty. It’s not about polishing or perfecting—it’s about reflecting people back to themselves with dignity and depth.
I hope these portraits make people stop and think: who decides what success looks like, and who gets to be seen?” - Jade
Her work reflects her wider practice: Jade is a filmmaker and photographer whose projects explore human stories that bridge our shared humanity and the natural world. She has worked with NGOs, outdoor brands, and grassroots charities worldwide, always focusing on identity, community, and connection. Now, with Beyond the Label, she has turned her lens to the hidden narratives of neurodivergent athletes.
Mikey Mottram
Voices from the Panel
The event’s discussion was hosted by Mikey Mottram, elite gravel cyclist, former GB rower, and co-founder of Neurodiverse Sport. Diagnosed with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, Mikey has built a career that challenges stereotypes around neurodiversity in elite sport.
“This project is about giving athletes the space to be seen as whole people—not just through medals or diagnoses, but through their lived experiences.” - Mikey
Each panellist brought their own story:
Ishmael Burdeau
an autistic ultrarunner, cycling veteran, and coach, has spent decades competing in some of the UK’s toughest endurance events. After a late autism diagnosis, he has spoken about how sport provided him with consistency and identity.
“I grew up feeling out of place in sport, but running became my way of reconnecting with myself. Sharing these stories helps others realise they’re not alone.” - Ishmael
Paul Burrows
is a former sports development officer, competitive rower, and Superintendent in the police service. Openly autistic and dyslexic, he is awaiting an ADHD diagnosis and advocates for greater understanding around diagnosis experiences. He explained how sport has shaped his life.
“For me, sport has always been about self-regulation and structure. Being autistic and dyslexic means I approach things differently—but that difference is my strength.” - Paul
Zoe-Jane Littlewood
founder of The Dyslexic Movement, sports therapist, and Director at Neurodiverse Sport, shared insights from her lived and professional experiences. A proud dyslexic woman of mixed heritage, she uses public speaking and digital content to reshape perceptions of dyslexia.
“As a dyslexic physiotherapist and former athlete, I’ve seen how often people misunderstand what neurodivergence means. Projects like this show the creativity and resilience that come with it.” - Zoe-Jane
Jade Sellick
beyond her role as photographer, also joined the panel to speak about the importance of visual storytelling. She described the emotional process behind Beyond the Label.
“I wanted to capture authenticity—the moments in between, the honesty, the parts of people that don’t usually get celebrated in sport.” - Jade
Final Thoughts
Beyond the Label isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a statement. It shows that neurodivergent athletes are more than diagnoses or results; they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers in their own right.
By giving space to stories that too often go unheard, this project is reshaping what success in sport looks like—and who gets to be celebrated.
As one audience member summed it up:
“This isn’t about deficits or labels—it’s about people. And that’s what sport should be about too.”
Follow
Mikey Mottram (host)
Instagram: @mikeymottram
LinkedIn: Michael Mottram
NdS bio: neurodiversesport.com/mikey-mottram
Ishmael Burdeau
Instagram: @sublimechaser
NdS speaker profile: neurodiversesport.com/ishmael-burdeau
Paul Burrows
LinkedIn: Paul Burrows
NdS bio: neurodiversesport.com/paul-burrows
Zoe-Jane Littlewood
LinkedIn: Zoe-Jane Littlewood
Instagram: @thedyslexicmovement
Website: TheDyslexicMovement
NdS bio: neurodiversesport.com/zoe-jane-littlewood
Jade Sellick
Instagram: @jade.sellick
Website: JadeSellick
