Sam Holness has launched his campaign to be the first autistic athlete, aiming to turn pro, to race the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawai’i.
He said, “I’m 27 years old and I live in London. My nickname is ‘Super-Sam’ I am a triathlete that just happens to have autism – and I’m going to be awesome.”
Sam is supported by a team of partners including global footwear brand Hoka One One and UK-based wetsuit, triathlon and cycling clothing brand HUUB.
The next phase of preparation on Sam’s road to Kona will see him race in major endurance events including marathons and IRONMAN triathlons. Sam’s first race of the year is scheduled (subject to Covid restrictions) to be the full IRONMAN in Mallorca on May 15th, followed by IRONMAN Cork, August 15th.
His journey is not set to end there, as he aims to turn his passion into a career, to become the world’s first autistic, professional triathlete. Sam said “My autism allows me to be very focused and not easily distracted, it allows me to train hard and smart. I just never give up.”
Sam and Anthony Holness, his coach and dad, have set a tough training schedule this year. Anthony added, “He is an amazing athlete. I spend days watching Sam train and am in awe of his commitment and ‘never say die’ attitude.
“We’ve had to adapt our training plans to work with Sam’s autism, which has been made easier by his single mindedness. His autism also gives him the ability to focus for long periods and master repetitive tasks like training – which may in the long run prove an advantage over neurotypical athletes.”
On life as a triathlete, Sam says; “Being a full-time triathlete is the best job in the world. I get to sleep 12 hours per day and eat much as I want to”.
Diversity within triathlon as a sport also remains limited with one study showing that black athletes make up only 1.4% of participants.
When asked about the limited number of black triathletes, Sam replied, “Sometimes when I go to an event, I am the only black triathlete, and usually the only one with autism. It doesn’t matter that it’s just me, I just like training and racing.”
Through his sport, Sam wants to change the perception that is often portrayed of people with autism by encouraging others like him to take up sport and follow his path.
