The Power of Belief, Belonging, and the Right Environment: Maria’s Story
Written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.
This is part one of a two-part blog. Part two, ii3: More Than a Category—A Step Toward Equity in Sport, will explore the ii3 category in more depth. Maria Kjer Rasmussen is a 16-year-old Danish para swimmer. She is Autistic without intellectual impairment and one of the first athletes in Denmark to compete in the ii3 category under Virtus Sport. Due to her age and native language, this blog is based on an interview with her mother, Lene—though Maria herself reviewed and approved every word. Maria’s story is one of brilliance clouded by misunderstanding. From a young age, she was doubted by professionals who warned her parents not to expect academic success or independence. In public, Maria was described as “quiet and smiling”—but this was masking, a familiar survival strategy for many Autistic children navigating environments that aren’t built for them. Yet when Maria found swimming, something changed. Her body relaxed, her spirit softened, and she began to thrive. Through water, 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.
Maria Kjer Rasmussen
A Story Shaped by Misunderstanding
This is part one of a two-part blog. Part two, ii3: More Than a Category—A Step Toward Equity in Sport, will explore the ii3 category in more depth.
Maria Kjer Rasmussen is a 16-year-old Danish para swimmer. She also has Autism without intellectual impairment and is one of the first athletes in Denmark to compete in the new ii3 category under Virtus Sport. Due to her age and language, we interviewed her mother, Lene, for this post—but Maria was involved in the editing and signed off every word.
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. While SEN school offered academic support, Maria’s intellectual strengths left her socially isolated. She didn’t fit there either. Yet she passed her 9th grade exams and stayed connected to swimming—the one place where she felt competent, valued, and understood.
Maria Kjer Rasmussen
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. Lene paused her career to teach Maria life skills explicitly. They also hired a one-to-one coach, allowing Maria the space and support she needed to recover. These interventions came at great personal cost, but they were vital to Maria’s continued participation in the sport she loves—and the life she deserves.
Where Is Maria Now?
She’s back in public school and thriving.
She competes in para and mainstream competitions.
She cycles 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 cycling 40k and competing across para and mainstream meets, Maria’s journey shows what’s possible when someone is believed in, backed, and given the freedom to be themselves.
Her place in the new Virtus ii3 category represents not only progress for her—but for the global sporting community.
Follow Virtus on Instagram: @virtus.sport
Follow Virtus on Twitter/X: @SPORTVirtus
Learn more about the ii3 category: Virtus ii3 Information
Lessons From Maria’s Story
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—and let that be your foundation.
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 not only possible—it’s transformative.
For Peers and Supporters:
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.
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.
Systems must stretch—not individuals
→ True inclusion means meeting athletes where they are, not demanding they fit a narrow mould.
This blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.
