The Power of Belief, Belonging, and the Right Environment: Maria’s Story
Introduction
Maria Kjer Rasmussen is a 16-year-old Danish para swimmer, and one of the first athletes in Denmark to compete in the Virtus ii3 category for autistic athletes without intellectual impairment. From a young age, she was doubted by professionals who warned her parents not to expect academic success or independence. Yet, through swimming Maria discovered a sense of agency, peace, and identity—and thanks to unwavering support from her family, she’s now reclaiming her place in both sport and society. This blog post is based on an interview with Maria’s mother, Lene—though Maria herself reviewed and approved every word. This is part one of a two-part blog. To explore the ii3 category in more depth, read; ii3: More Than a Category—A Step Toward Equity in Sport?
Maria Kjer Rasmussen, ii3 Swimmer
A Story Shaped by Misunderstanding
Maria’s story is one of brilliance clouded by misunderstanding. From an early age, Maria was misunderstood. Professionals told her parents not to expect her to receive a normal education or live independently. Although Maria was described as a “quiet and smiling child” in public, this was masking—something many autistic children learn early on to fit into environments that don’t meet their needs.
Finding Relief in the Water
When Maria discovered swimming, the difference was profound. Her mood improved, sleep came easier, and she became, as her mother put it, “soft like butter” after every session. Swimming gave Maria time to decompress, learn visually, and grow in a sensorially safe environment. She would often pause underwater, silently observing others before replicating movements—an example of Autistic learning at its most powerful.
A Journey Through Barriers
Despite swimming’s benefits, Maria’s school life was turbulent.
Neither public school nor special needs school could offer the right balance.
Public school couldn't provide the specialised support Maria needed to truly learn and engage, and although the SEN school offered academic help, her intellectual strengths set her apart, leaving her socially isolated.
Still, she passed her 9th grade exams and stayed committed to swimming, the one place where she felt competent, valued, and understood.
Maria Kjer Rasmussen, ii3 Swimmer
Fighting Against Limiting Expectations
Maria’s early athletic potential was clear—she was among the best age group swimmers in Denmark. But as others began to question her behaviour, self-doubt crept in. Her performance declined not because of her autism, but because of the weight of judgment placed upon her. Her story is all too common among neurodivergent athletes: early talent followed by retreat due to imposed limitations.
Family-Led Solutions
Maria’s parents took matters into their own hands, becoming her strongest advocates when few others did. Not every athlete has someone to fight for them, but Lene and her husband were determined to ensure Maria had the support she needed.
→ Lene made the difficult decision to pause her own career in order to teach Maria essential life skills, helping her navigate challenges more effectively.
→ They also hired a one-on-one coach, offering Maria the space and tailored support she needed to recover and reengage with the sport she loved.
These interventions came at great personal cost, but they were crucial to Maria’s ability to continue participating in swimming and to lead the life she deserves. By staying connected to swimming, Maria found a path back to mainstream education. It was a powerful example of how sport, sensory support, and emotional regulation—combined with the unwavering commitment of caring parents—can transform a young life.
Where Is Maria Now?
She’s back in public school and thriving
She competes in para and mainstream competitions
She cycles to and from school (15–40k a day) on top of swim training
She has a supportive friendship group and a positive self-image
She’s happier, calmer, and more resilient than ever before
Her mother now simply supports from the sidelines—helping Maria prepare for life’s what-ifs and showing her that the grey areas matter too.
Final Thoughts
Maria is a rising star in para swimming—but more importantly, she’s a young person who has rediscovered her sense of self through sport. Her story is a powerful reminder that neurodivergence isn’t a barrier to performance; misunderstanding is.
From early predictions of dependency to competing across both para and mainstream swimming, Maria’s journey shows what’s possible when someone is believed in, backed, and given the freedom to be themselves.
The question is, should we need a separate category to accommodate autistic athletes, or should mainstream sport adapt?
For more information on the ii3 category, read part two; ii3: More Than a Category—A Step Toward Equity in Sport?
Follow Virtus on Instagram, or Twitter/X, or visit about ii3.
Key Takeaways for Neurodivergent Individuals
Follow what feels good
→ Whether it’s sport, art, or another pursuit, find the space where you feel safe, competent, and seen.
Your way is valid
→ Autistic learning styles—like observation and repetition—are powerful, even if they differ from typical approaches.
You can come back from setbacks
→ Maria’s story shows that retreat doesn’t mean failure. With the right support, recovery is possible and transformative.
Key Takeaways for Peers, Supporters, and Parents
Start by listening
→ Take the time to understand before you respond. Often, support begins with silence, not solutions.
Challenge outdated assumptions
→ Intelligence and autism are not mutually exclusive. Don’t let stereotypes limit the encouragement you offer.
Support the person, not just the process
→ Whether it’s through coaching, caregiving, or friendship—make room for difference, not just improvement.
Key Takeaways for Coaches, Leaders, and Organisations
Adaptation is not special treatment
→ One-to-one coaching or sensory-friendly environments can unlock potential that rigid systems suppress.
Don’t conflate behaviour with ability
→ Misunderstood actions are often responses to overload, not indicators of capability.
Parents may hold the key
→ Parents, who know their children best, are key in identifying the most effective adaptations.
This blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.
