Neurodiversity in Sport - The Power of Understanding

My name is Caragh McMurtry and I am a former Olympic rower who represented Great Britain. In my career, I faced significant challenges after being incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, I later discovered that I'm actually Autistic.  

This discovery changed my life and inspired me to speak out for others facing the same issues. My story is an example of the difficulties neurodivergent people face. It also shows how awareness and support can make a difference. 

Early Life and Rowing Career 

My affinity for rowing began at a young age. I come from a working class background where rowing was an unusual sport to take part in. However, my supportive coaches recognised my talent and encouraged me to enter the competitive world of rowing. 

As a junior, I achieved some great successes, laying the foundation for my future as an elite athlete. I was a medallist at world junior and U23 level. I was also part of the senior women’s eight at the 2013 and 2014 World Rowing Championships. 

However, behind the scenes, I was grappling with more than just the pressures of competitive sport. I faced internal struggles that were not immediately visible to the outside world. 

Masking and Misdiagnosis 

Throughout my early rowing career, I experienced issues. Although I dedicated myself to my sport, coaches often commented on my behaviour. They challenged me about the way I socialised or about asking too many questions. This led me to mask my personality to try and fit in.  

All this masking naturally took its toll. Exhausted by the effort it took, my rowing began to suffer and I had to work extra hard to maintain my skill. 

Repeated burnouts led to me being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This condition causes extreme mood changes, including manic highs and depressive lows. I was prescribed some very serious medications, and these were increased and added to over the years because they didn't seem to be having the desired effect. 

I dealt with this diagnosis for years, balancing training and competing with treatment and coping strategies. I had to fight hard to keep my place on the team, whilst feeling increasingly isolated and exhausted. 

I felt I had to apologise for myself constantly. Coaches didn't understand how to deal with me, and would make comments such as "Caragh's on a mad one again". 

Despite my best efforts, I often felt that the bipolar disorder diagnosis didn’t fully explain my experiences. The treatments and strategies that worked for others didn’t seem to fit my needs. This dissonance led me to question whether something else might be contributing to my challenges. 

A Life-Changing Revelation: Autism Diagnosis 

After years of living with the bipolar disorder label, I was referred to the newly formed UK Sport Mental Health Panel. UK Sport are an independent body who were formed to address the growing number of elite athletes being referred for mental health difficulties. They recognised that my bipolar diagnosis was incorrect. 

This led to a new and profoundly life-changing diagnosis: autism. According to experts, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests, and behaviour. I see it as a different way of experiencing the world. Just like everyone else, I have strengths and challenges. It just so happens that mine are unique. 

Receiving an autism diagnosis was both a revelation and a relief. It provided a clearer understanding of my experiences and the struggles I was facing. For instance, my sensitivity to sensory stimuli, my way of socialising and communicating, being misunderstood by those around me, and my intense focus on my specific interests were all traits associated with autism. 

Impact on Personal and Professional Life 

The correct diagnosis allowed me to reframe my understanding of myself and my life. It explained why certain environments felt overwhelming and why I had particular strengths and challenges. I became more self-aware, which helped me find better ways to deal with problems and be kinder to myself. 

Although the autism diagnosis helped me personally, it became clear that my coaches did not know the correct way to support me. It felt like people had Googled a very basic, one-size-fits all explanation of Autism and applied it to me. They would refer to the stress of change and speak slowly to ensure I could keep up. That type of support might benefit some people, but it didn't relate to the way Autism manifested in me.

After competing in the women’s eight at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, I made the decision to retire from rowing. While I still loved the sport, navigating a career in a world that does not understand neurodivergence had taken its toll. 

Advocacy and Neurodiverse Sport 

My experiences made me believe that I needed to do something to support neurodivergent athletes. They often encounter unique challenges that traditional sports frameworks do not always address. 

With my husband (cyclist Mikey Mottram), I co-founded Neurodiverse Sport, an organisation dedicated to supporting neurodiverse athletes and promoting inclusion in sports. 

We want to help people understand and support those with different brains, improve support systems, and make sport more inclusive. 

The Mission of Neurodiverse Sport 

Neurodiverse Sport focuses on several key areas to support neurodivergent athletes: 

1. Awareness and Education 

One of the primary goals of Neurodiverse Sport is to educate coaches, sports organisations, and the general public about neurodiversity.  

By raising awareness about conditions like autism, ADHD, and other neurodevelopmental differences, we hope to foster greater understanding and acceptance in the sports community. 

2. Support and Resources 

Neurodiverse Sport provides resources and support for sports teams, clubs, and organisations to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and understanding required to support their neurodivergent athletes. 

The organisation also supports parents and athletes through workshops, webinars, and the sharing of free resources. 

The organisation also offers guidance on navigating the often complex world of competitive sports, helping athletes to manage both their training and their mental health. 

3. Advocacy and Inclusion 

Advocacy is at the heart of Neurodiverse Sport’s mission. We work to influence policy and practice within sports organisations to ensure that neurodivergent athletes receive the support they need.  

This includes advocating for more inclusive training environments, better mental health support, and policies that recognise and accommodate the diverse needs of all athletes. 

4. Community Building 

Creating a sense of community is crucial for neurodivergent individuals, who may often feel isolated or misunderstood. Neurodiverse Sport seeks to build a supportive community where athletes can connect, share experiences, and support each other. This sense of belonging is essential for the mental and emotional well-being of neurodivergent athletes. 

Conclusion 

My journey in sport has been a challenging one, with many highs and lows. I have seen first-hand how a lack of understanding of the needs of neurodivergent people can have a damaging impact, not only on an individual's career, but their entire life. 

Through my work with Neurodiverse Sport, I want to help create a more inclusive and understanding world for neurodivergent athletes, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in the world of sports. 

About the author 

Caragh McMurtry is a former Olympic rower and founder of Neurodiverse Sport. If you want to learn more about the incredible work the organisation is doing, you can check out the website. 

You can also follow Caragh on instagram.

If you have an interest in sports and physical fitness and want to know more about the link between exercise and ADHD, why not check out our blog article.