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.

In this week’s Neurodiverse Sport blog, former rower and current equine therapist Alexandra Hambro opens up about living with ADHD and Auditory Processing Disorder—and how sport became both a sanctuary and a source of pain. From hiding in cloakrooms at school to launching the inclusive platform We Row Like This, Alex shares her journey of fear, resilience, and advocacy. “I’m terrified every day,” she says, “but I show up anyway.” Her story reminds us that safe spaces—whether in boats or classrooms—can transform lives when we listen, adapt, and lead with empathy.

Mandy Williams, a late-diagnosed autistic athlete, opens up about sport, stimming, joy, and defying expectations at 48. In this powerful conversation, she challenges ageism, unpacks the emotional depth of training, and calls for a more inclusive and understanding sporting environment for neurodivergent individuals of all ages.

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.

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 Her story challenges outdated coaching norms and redefines what it means to thrive as a neurodivergent athlete.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.