Introduction

In 2022, Sam Holness became the first openly autistic athlete to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. But it’s not just his sporting achievements that stand out—it’s his mindset, his support network, and his refusal to be defined by others’ expectations.

From 20k ergos to four-hour turbo trainer sessions, Sam trains harder than many elite athletes—yet he’s still frequently underestimated. It’s clear that Sam and his parents aren’t just focused on performance; they’re quietly leading a revolution. We’re proud to share their story.

*Sam Holness, Iron Man World Championships Competitor*

Defying Expectations

In October 2022, Sam Holness became the first openly autistic athlete to compete in the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii—completing the race in an impressive 13 hours and 5 minutes. Along the way, he broke a Guinness World Record and challenged long-standing assumptions about what autistic individuals can achieve in mainstream sport.

Sam is autistic and has higher support needs, particularly in communication and social interaction. But with the right environment—and the unwavering support of his parents, Tony and Marylin—he’s not just participating, he’s thriving at the highest level of endurance sport. As his online following continues to grow, Sam is not only making waves as an athlete, but also as a role model—proving that, with the right support, even significant challenges can be navigated and overcome.

Performance, Challenges, and Mindset

Like many autistic people, Sam faces challenges unrelated to his physical ability. He and his father have worked tirelessly to manage attention differences and build routines that support his success. Currently, he’s also managing gastrointestinal issues linked to IBS—a common co-occurring condition in autism—but even that is viewed as a temporary hurdle.

This approach embodies a high-performance mindset: facing barriers head-on with patience, adaptability, and belief.

*Sam Holness, “Autism is my Superpower”*

The Power of Adaptation

Sam’s progress in sport has relied on three consistent factors: understanding, communication, and adaptation. His parents, Tony and Marylin, have always been willing to adjust their approach to suit Sam’s needs. That flexibility has made it possible for him not just to participate—but to progress at a high level.

Certain elements of mainstream sport aren’t always well suited to Sam’s sensory or processing needs. For example, cycling in a peloton can be overwhelming—so Ironman’s non-drafting format works well. Long training sessions can become monotonous—so Sam uses films to stay focused and engaged. These are not shortcuts, but practical adaptations that support sustained effort.

Challenging Assumptions

Sam’s story also raises questions about the assumptions often made around autistic people and sport. He didn’t enjoy team games like football in school—but later, during university (where he completed a 2:1 degree), he discovered endurance training and found a sense of purpose in it. These days, he regularly trains for hours at a time, often alone, using familiar routines to manage the load.

Too often, autistic individuals are steered away from sport based on surface-level observations: “They don’t enjoy competition,” or “They struggle with structure.” But many of these views come from environments that fail to adapt—not from the individual themselves.

Sam’s journey reminds us that ability doesn’t exist in a vacuum. With the right environment and support, performance becomes possible—and sustainable.

Reframing the Real Problem

Clearly, Sam is navigating a world that wasn’t built with his needs in mind. Consider that the challenge isn’t Sam—it’s the systems, assumptions, and environments that still struggle to adapt to autistic and neurodivergent individuals.

What sets Sam apart is the team behind him. His parents, Tony and Marylin, offer consistent support and a willingness to do things differently. Their means and their belief in him have made the real difference—something not everyone is lucky enough to have.

*Sam Holness, “Person of Determination”*

Beyond Sport

The barriers faced by autistic and neurodivergent people go far beyond sport. Just 21.7% of autistic adults are in employment—a statistic that reflects exclusion by design, not a lack of ability.

Sam’s story challenges that reality. With the right support, communication, and belief, he hasn’t just found a place in sport—he’s shown what’s possible when systems flex to fit the individual. His success isn’t just about exceptionalism. It’s about what happens when environments include, rather than exclude.

Thriving shouldn’t be the exception. It should be possible—for everyone.

“People of Determination”

Sam’s dad, Tony, chooses not to focus on the label of “autism.” Instead, he describes Sam as a “Person of Determination”—someone who faces challenges head-on, stays focused, and never gives up. This reflects a broader neurodiversity perspective: viewing neurodivergence not as a deficit, but as a difference—and one that can hold unique strengths.

Final Thoughts

If a person thrives with the right adaptations, are they still disabled—or are they simply supported? And if those supports are missing, is it the individual who’s limited, or the system that’s failing to include them? For many, disability isn’t fixed—it’s shaped by context. That means it can be reduced, or even removed, when environments flex. The more we question how things are done, the closer we get to making inclusion a reality.

Follow Sam on Instagram, give him kudos on Zwift, or watch him in action:

Humans of HOKA: Sam Holness – The Trailblazer
Hoka One One: Sam Holness, Triathlete with Autism
Super Sam Holness: The First Openly Autistic Ironman Triathlete
TEDx Talk – Tony Holness: Overcoming Adversity with Sport

Key Takeaways for Neurodivergent Individuals

Find What Works for You
→ Success doesn't require fitting the mould—it's about building your own path.
Adaptation Isn’t Cheating
→ Using tools like music, video, or custom routines is smart, not lazy.
You Are Not a Problem
→ You deserve to be understood, not fixed.

Key Takeaways for Peers, Supporters, and Parents

Assume Potential, Not Limits
→ Don’t let stereotypes shape expectations—focus on the person.
Adjust the Environment First
→ Modify the setting before assuming someone can’t succeed.
Consistency Builds Confidence
→ Routines and belief go further than pressure or force.

Key Takeaways for Coaches, Leaders, and Organisations

Design for Inclusion from the Start
→ When systems work for neurodivergent people, they work better for everyone.
Challenge What Disability Means
→ If adaptations remove barriers, maybe the problem wasn’t the person.
Celebrate Determination, Not Just Conformity
→ Like Sam’s dad says, “He’s a Person of Determination”—and that’s worth recognising.

This blog post was written by Caragh McMurtry. Subheadings were added by the Neurodiverse Sport team to support readability.

“Person of Determination”: Triathlete, Trailblazer, Sam Holness