Neurodiverse Sport articles
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More Than What You See: Sarah Hope on Sport, Autism, and Advocacy
Sarah Hope is a former GB wheelchair basketball player and para ice hockey athlete. Diagnosed with autism and hereditary peripheral neuropathy, Sarah shares a powerful story of resilience, burnout, and finding belonging. From masking and misunderstanding to self-advocacy and structure, her journey challenges sport to do better—and reminds us of the strength found in lived experience.
Proudly Dyslexic: Zoe-Jane Littlewood on Netball, Physiotherapy and Being Unapologetically Herself
Zoe-Jane Littlewood is a former netball player and sports physiotherapist who proudly embraces her dyslexia. In this honest, funny and thought-provoking interview, she opens up about her experiences in elite sport, the reality of communication struggles, and the creative strengths neurodivergent people bring to the field. “If you support us properly,” she says, “we might just be your biggest asset.”
Benny Howell: Redefining Cricket With ADHD Creativity
In this week’s Neurodiverse Sport spotlight, professional cricketer Benny Howell reflects on how ADHD shaped his identity, style, and success on the pitch. Known for his unorthodox bowling and creative mindset, Benny shares how hyperfocus became his superpower—and how shifting away from rigid sporting norms has helped him and others thrive.
A Story of Strength and Support: Michael Barton’s Journey
Michael Barton is a national Judo medallist, data analyst, author, and Autistic advocate who proves that structure, support, and self-awareness can be a winning combination. Diagnosed early in life and initially non-verbal, Michael’s journey challenges assumptions about neurodivergence in sport—showing how explicitly taught skills, routine, and the right environment can empower Autistic athletes to thrive.
The Formula for Thriving – A Neurodivergent Path to Performance
In part two of triathlete Tom Epton’s journey, we explore the formula behind his success—freedom, structure, curiosity, and purpose. Diagnosed with ADHD as a child, Tom shares how understanding his brain has allowed him to thrive in elite sport, education, and business. This blog highlights the hidden strengths of neurodivergent athletes and what they need to succeed.
From “Naughty Kid” to National Competitor
From school exclusions to international podiums, triathlete Tom Epton shares how a childhood diagnosis of ADHD shaped his journey in life and sport. His reflections on behaviour, belief, and building the right support system are a powerful reminder of what neurodivergent athletes can achieve when they're truly understood.
George Eastwood: The ND Coach Empowering Through Movement
George Eastwood, known as The ND Coach, is a personal trainer, former runner, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent inclusion in sport. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age four and later with ADHD, George has learned how movement, honesty, and community can transform lives – including his own. In this blog, he shares his journey from masking and misunderstanding to confidence and coaching, and explains why sport can be a lifeline for neurodivergent people.
“There’s magic in people — we just have to stop it from getting lost.” — Greg Searle, Olympic Rower
Greg Searle MBE is one of Britain’s most successful Olympic rowers — but few know he is also proudly dyslexic. In this honest and insightful interview, Greg shares how dyslexia shaped his learning, performance, and leadership throughout his elite rowing career. From his early victories with his brother to his individual bronze in the single scull and a powerful comeback at London 2012, Greg’s story is one of autonomy, self-awareness, and the power of person-centred coaching. He reminds us that neurodivergent athletes don’t need to be changed — they need to be understood.
Pedalling Through Barriers: Introducing Connie Hayes
Diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, and awaiting autism assessment, cyclist Connie Hayes has ridden at the Women’s Tour of Britain—but her toughest battles haven’t been on the road. From masking at school to meltdowns in elite teams, Connie shares how neurodivergence shaped her path through sport—and what changed when she finally found a team that understood her.
Brooke Hendrix: Building a Toolkit for Life, and Football
In this powerful interview, professional footballer Brooke Hendrix opens up about life with ADHD—from childhood outbursts to building a successful career in the Women’s Super League. Brooke reflects on the importance of early support, inclusive teammates, and adapting training environments to suit different learning styles. Her story challenges outdated coaching norms and redefines what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent athlete.
Rewriting the Neurodivergent Narrative: Patrick Chorley, Rowing, Climbing
Patrick Chorley is a rower, cox, and climber diagnosed with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD. This blog explores how Patrick found freedom in movement, resilience in rejection, and success in forging his own inclusive path—challenging traditional definitions of athleticism and showing that neurodivergence is not a limitation, but a different kind of strength.
The Power of Belief, Belonging, and the Right Environment: Maria’s Story
Maria Kjer Rasmussen is a 16-year-old para swimmer from Denmark competing in the new Virtus ii3 category. Diagnosed with Autism (without intellectual impairment), dyslexia, and facing early exclusion from mainstream systems, Maria's story is one of rediscovery through sport. With the help of her family and a one-to-one coach, she found freedom, safety, and purpose in the water—proving what’s possible when a neurodivergent athlete is truly seen, supported, and believed in.
“Person of Determination”: Triathlete, Trailblazer, Sam Holness
Sam Holness is the first openly autistic athlete to compete in the Ironman World Championships—and he’s not done yet. With a 13-hour finish time, unwavering family support, and a training ethic that puts most to shame, Sam’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when we replace limits with belief. This blog explores his journey, mindset, and what sport—and society—can learn from “The Sam Effect.”
Lifting Limits: How ADHD Fuels Alfie Poyser’s Strongman Success
Strongman athlete Alfie Poyser opens up about late ADHD diagnosis, finding belonging through lifting, and how the sport’s vibrant, authentic culture has helped him thrive. A story of personality, perseverance, and the power of being different – this was our very first Neurodiverse Sport blog, and it’s still one of the most inspiring.
Not the Obvious Athlete: Anne-Sophie Thilo’s Story of Grit, Guile and Growth
Olympian Anne-Sophie Thilo shares how her High Intellectual Potential helped her problem-solve and strategise her way to the top of international sailing—while also leaving her socially isolated and emotionally misunderstood. Her story challenges what it means to be an athlete, why neuroinclusion matters, and how sport can better support those who think—and feel—differently.