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 if neurodivergent traits aren’t malfunctions—but adaptations? In this thought-provoking piece, psychiatry researcher Dr Adam D. Hunt draws from evolutionary biology, anthropology, and sport to reframe ADHD, autism, and dyslexia as ancient variations of human design. When seen through this lens, these traits—often pathologised—become powerful assets in the right environments. From classrooms to training halls, Adam invites us to stop fixing people and start redesigning systems.

Daley Jones is a MET Detective with ADHD and Dyspraxia, and the founder of the National ADHD Alliance for Police. In this honest and often humorous interview, Daley reflects on his late diagnosis, difficulties with coordination, and how football and running became outlets for self-belief. He shares what it’s like to navigate sport—and life—as a neurodivergent adult, and why self-compassion and support systems matter.

In this second part of his powerful blog series, Autistic ultrarunner and UESCA-certified coach Ishmael Burdeau shares how embracing his diagnosis transformed not only his understanding of himself but also his entire approach to sport. From ultracycling across Europe to completing gruelling ultramarathons like the Spine Race, Ishmael shows how the traits often misunderstood in autistic people—focus, routine, and perseverance—are, in fact, strengths in the world of endurance. His story is a moving reminder that finding the right fit can turn difference into a defining advantage.

Ishmael Burdeau is an Autistic ultrarunner and certified coach whose early experiences with exclusion and misunderstanding in school sport mirror those of many neurodivergent athletes. In this deeply personal first instalment of a two-part series, Ishmael reflects on how endurance sport became a refuge—and ultimately a revelation. His story is a powerful reminder that success doesn’t always look like early talent or conformity, but can emerge through self-awareness, autonomy, and finding the right fit.

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.”

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.

Peter Barnes never received a formal diagnosis—but his reflections on ADHD and neurodivergence offer powerful insight into how self-understanding, adaptability, and resilience can reshape both life and sport. From exclusion in school PE to carving out a lifelong passion for cycling, Peter’s story challenges rigid sporting systems and calls for more human-centred, flexible approaches to coaching and inclusion.

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.

In this powerful and heartfelt interview, former NCAA football coach Kyle Gookins shares how becoming a parent to an Autistic son transformed not only his life, but also his coaching philosophy. From high-performance pressure to person-centred practice, Kyle speaks with honesty about ego, emotional intelligence, and the practical shifts coaches can make to better support neurodivergent athletes. A must-read for anyone passionate about inclusive sport.

In this insightful blog, Dr Caz Nahman—child and adolescent psychiatrist and teaching lead at Oxford University—shares a composite case study based on her real-world experience supporting Autistic athletes. Through the story of Katie, a national-level swimmer navigating university life, we see how missed communication, misunderstanding, and well-intentioned coaching can impact a neurodivergent athlete’s wellbeing and performance. The blog offers practical guidance on building trust, improving communication, and creating inclusive environments where Autistic athletes can thrive.

Junior European medallist and GB kayaker Nerys Hall opens up about her journey with ADHD in high-performance sport. From masking and meltdowns to resilience and self-acceptance, she shares how diagnosis helped her work with ADHD, not against it. Her message is clear: when athletes are understood and supported, they don’t just survive—they thrive.

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.

Michelle Lau is a world-ranked amateur golfer, software developer, and proud Autistic woman. Her journey into elite disability golf began after seeing the work of Neurodiverse Sport—proof that visibility and representation can change lives. In this powerful blog, Michelle opens up about delayed diagnosis, sensory overwhelm, masking, and what it took—physically and emotionally—to finish her first world-ranked tournament. Her story reminds us that success and struggle often walk hand in hand.

Abi Chamberlain, former England Women’s Rugby 7s Captain and current London Irish Women’s Coach, doesn’t label herself a neuroinclusive coach—yet her impact speaks volumes. Her approach, rooted in curiosity and care, creates a psychologically safe environment where all athletes can thrive. In this blog, Abi shares her coaching philosophy, reflects on what it means to unlock performance across diverse minds and bodies, and offers practical insight into making sport more inclusive—without overcomplication. Whether you're an elite coach or a community volunteer, her story reminds us that good coaching is about listening, adapting, and always learning.

Ed Baxter is a former British record-holding swimmer and co-founder of the AP Race Club with Adam Peaty. Diagnosed with Autism at a young age, Ed speaks openly about how his neurodivergence shaped his elite swimming career and entrepreneurial journey. In this in-depth interview, Ed shares his coaching philosophy, challenges in sport, and why pushing limits—not lowering expectations—is key to success for all athletes.

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.

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.