Introduction

We’re proud to feature Ed Baxter – a former GB swimmer, British record holder, Commonwealth Youth Games champion, and co-founder of the AP Race Club alongside Olympic champion Adam Peaty.

Diagnosed with Autism at a young age, Ed didn’t speak publicly about his condition until years after retirement. In his words, “I held the fact that I was on the autistic spectrum very close to me... probably ever told two or three people.”

Since coming out publicly, Ed has been inundated with messages – not just of support, but of thanks. Because despite appearances, we’re still lacking role models at the elite end of sport who openly identify as neurodivergent. And Ed isn’t just a role model – he’s also a coach, a founder, and a fiercely driven person who doesn’t settle for “that’ll do.”

Here’s what happened when we sat down to talk.

A Swimmer with a Singular Focus

Ed joined his first club at just six years old.

“I did the normal swimming lessons straight into swimming club route.”

What followed was a whirlwind junior career: four British junior records, a Commonwealth Youth Games title, and a place training under Mel Marshall with the GB squad by 18.

Swimming was everything.

“There was nothing else I ever wanted to do,” Ed says. “I was homeschooled, so all of my energy and focus went into swimming.”

He didn’t just want to swim – he wanted to be the best. And when he discovered how to work hard, there was no going back:

“I couldn’t ever imagine letting someone work harder than I did.”

Whether it was training, nutrition, or rest, Ed went all-in. And he credits that intensity, in part, to his Autism:

“I just can’t not do things to the best of my ability.”

Autism, Focus, and Building Something Bigger

Injuries and a funding cut changed the path Ed had imagined. But Mel Marshall saw something else in him. She encouraged Ed to try one-to-one coaching – and with that nudge, he launched his first business.

“I started doing private coaching, small group stuff, summer camps. It grew really fast.”

Ed soon joined forces with Adam Peaty to form the AP Race Club, and now leads a suite of seven projects under that brand. He calls it a “revolutionary version of a swim clinic,” where young swimmers learn to race from the best in the world.

Ed’s drive didn’t stop with sport:

“We’ve built six businesses – all profitable. That’s down to factors I’d attribute to being on the spectrum. I see things differently. I focus. I can switch parts of my brain off when they’re not needed.”

He’s clear on the strengths his Autism gives him, but also on the danger of limiting beliefs:

“I think so many people are constrained by being diagnosed with something when they’re five.”

Finding the Right Balance

At first, Ed and I weren’t sure we were on the same page. I’ve seen too many neurodivergent athletes pushed too hard by coaches who didn’t take the time to understand them.

But the more we spoke, the clearer it became: Ed doesn’t coach by pushing past boundaries – he coaches by stretching them, with trust and awareness.

“It’s not about allowing bad behaviour or lowering expectations. It’s about being brave enough to challenge people, and smart enough to understand them first.”

That mutual understanding is key – and it’s what unlocks growth.

Relationships and Support

Throughout his career, Ed valued the strong relationships he built with coaches and teammates. Training under Mel Marshall and alongside Adam Peaty gave him an environment that recognised his unique strengths.

“I’ve always been very fortunate that me being on the spectrum hasn’t had an impact with coaches in particular.”

These experiences highlight the importance of supportive relationships in enabling neurodivergent athletes to thrive.

Disclosure, Stigma, and Visibility

For much of his career, Ed didn’t disclose that he was Autistic—even as he rose through the ranks of GB Swimming. He worried about stigma:

“When people see someone who’s Autistic, the first thought is often negative.”

Even when successful, he didn’t feel safe to speak openly until later:

“By the time I said I was Autistic, we’d built and run six businesses. People said, ‘Oh my god, you’re incredible.’ But they wouldn’t have said that five years ago.”

Now, he sees sharing his story as a responsibility: “Not many people get to this position, and I want to show what’s possible.”

Coaching Philosophy: Empowerment Through Challenge

Ed’s coaching philosophy is rooted in empowerment through challenge. He believes that all athletes—neurodivergent or not—should be stretched to reach their full potential, while still feeling understood and supported.

“It’s so important. The real world isn’t going to change. If you go through sport protecting people too much, they’ll be unprepared for life outside of it. Sport should give them the skills and resilience to deal with that.”

Rather than shielding athletes, Ed emphasises preparing them to face real-world situations with confidence.

Coaching Neurodivergent Athletes: Ed’s Advice

So, what should coaches do if they think one of their athletes might be neurodivergent?

“First, know they already feel different,” Ed says. “Your job is to make them feel included and comfortable enough to express themselves.”

Inclusion doesn’t mean lowering standards, but it does mean adapting your approach:

“How would you like me to explain this to you? Would it help if I showed you from your point of view?”

Most importantly:

“Don’t let others give them weird looks or make them feel small. If someone is brave enough to be themselves, support them in that.”

Final Thoughts

Ed Baxter’s story shows that success in sport is rarely straightforward. His early triumphs proved his talent, but setbacks forced him to adapt, grow, and carve a new path. Being Autistic hasn’t limited him—it’s shaped his perspective, fuelled his resilience, and given him a platform to inspire others.

“If I didn’t have swimming, I have no idea what would have happened.”

His journey is a reminder that sport can change lives. The challenge now is to make sure more people get that chance.

You can follow Ed on Instagram @edwardbaxter98
To learn more about the AP Race Club, visit aprace.club

Key Takeaways for Neurodivergent Individuals

Follow Your Spark
→ Find what makes you feel alive and give it your all.
Defy the Label
→ As Ed says, “Challenge what you think you’re capable of.”
Own Your Story
→ Disclosure is your choice, but there’s power in showing others what’s possible.

Key Takeaways for Peers, Supporters, and Parents

Adjust, Don’t Lower
→ If someone is Autistic or neurodivergent, don’t reduce expectations—adapt your approach.
Create Belonging
→ Make space for inclusion. Ask questions. Offer trust.
Value the Journey
→ Celebrate progress and effort, not just outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Coaches, Leaders, and Organisations

Prepare the Athlete
→ Focus on equipping the person for the road, not changing the road for them.
Challenge with Care
→ Emotional challenge builds resilience when delivered with safety and understanding.
Learn and Adapt
→ Invest in understanding different brains—it makes you a better coach for everyone.

Originally a video interview, this blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.

“Only The Best Will Do” – Ed Baxter on Autism, Swimming, and Challenging Expectations