Sam Holness

Sam Holness is an autistic triathlete who is challenging stereotypes of those with neurodiversity, while sharing with the world his motto “Don’t let your disability stop you from doing sport, get out there and get active”.

In 2022, he became the first openly Autistic endurance athlete to complete the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.

Sam Holness was diagnosed at four years of age with autism and his parents were told to have low expectations for him in terms of his potential for the future. They had been told Sam would experience problems with basic literacy and encounter significant social and communication issues.

Fortunately, his parents focused on providing a positive and nurturing environment where Sam could thrive. With their support and commitment, Sam did well at school and went on to attend university and achieve a BSc in Sports Science.

Sam had never planned to become an athlete and he points out that, as someone with autism, he had weak motor skills so learning to run was a challenge that neurotypical children don’t experience.

Sam has completed full triathlons, several 10k runs, half-marathons as well as the London Marathon.

Sam has toured local schools, giving talks to pupils to share his story and to encourage others not to let a disability stop them taking part in sport.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book autistic triathlete Sam Holness for your next event.

Type Of Speaker

Black History Month Disability Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Resilience Speaker

More About Sam Holness

Sam Holness | Background

Sam Holness’ grandparents came to England as part of the Windrush generation. Seeing opportunities, overcoming hurdles and fulfilling potential is something in the family DNA. Sam’s parents have been integral in his success, providing the opportunities for him to shine and develop in the face of an autism diagnosis.

Sam’s mother, Marilyn, provides further inspiration. One of approximately 50 black female professors out of 22,000 in the whole of the United Kingdom, she became an OBE in 2009 for services to teacher education.

Participating in sport is challenging for someone with autism and Sam didn’t take up sport until he was 14. His first sport was ice hockey and, despite learning to ice skate being very challenging, Sam persisted until he mastered this.

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The next sport was judo, where Sam got to the level of brown belt. His parents first introduced Sam to judo because his autism meant he found it challenging to have people touch him or touch other people. Focusing on getting the next belt kept Sam focused and motivated.

At 18, Sam joined a running club and started taking part in Parkrun events and 10km races. This led to the London Duathlon, a run and bike event. Having completed this, and because he always liked swimming, his parents encouraged him to try his first sprint triathlon. Sam became hooked and the rest is history.

In 2o22, Sam completed his first full Ironman in Frankfurt, completing the 140.6 mile course for the men’s European Championship.

Sam Holness | Autism and Athletics

Although weak motor skills made learning to run more challenging for Sam, he believes his autism has been a superpower, helping him become a good triathlete. The ability to focus for long periods and enjoying repetitive tasks required for training have all been positives.

Sam also believes his autism has been an advantage because he never give ups, likes structure and is committed to finishing anything he starts.

Sam has already fulfilled his first goal, which was to become the first professional Ironman triathlete with autism. Sam feels he has a purpose and a reason for getting up every day. Aside from his sporting goals, his goal is also to motivate others with autism to take up sport because it can make them healthier and improve their self-confidence.

Sam is an Ambassador for the charity Ambitious About Autism.

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Sam Holness | Accolades

Triathlete.com recognised Sam as a ‘Mover and Shaker’ in the sport of triathlon. In 2020, the work he does to help challenge the stereotypes about those with autism and his efforts to encourage others to get involved in sport was honoured on the Power 100 list of disability influencers and leaders.