In this powerful blog, originally captured as a video interview, Olympic rower Caragh McMurtry sits down with world-renowned surfer Clay Marzo and his mother, Jill. Clay, who is Autistic and often finds words difficult, shares glimpses of his inner world through surfing—the water becoming his language. Jill offers heartfelt reflections on parenting, communication, and how understanding Clay’s needs shaped the decisions they made together. This is a story about movement, emotion, and the environments that allow people to thrive.

What does real inclusion look like in sport? In this follow-up to Maria’s Story, we explore the launch of the Virtus ii3 category—a game-changing step for Autistic athletes without intellectual impairment. This blog breaks down what ii3 is, why it matters, and what lessons we can learn from Maria Kjer Rasmussen’s journey through exclusion, representation, and resilience.

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.