Sam Holness’ remarkable journey
An autistic on the way to the Ironman
6/24/2022, 6:51 p.m
Sam Holness wants to make history at the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt. The 29-year-old could become the first person with autism to complete a long-distance triathlon. His role drives him to peak performance, he wants to get rid of clichés.
Sam Holness is on a unique mission. “I want to show the world what autistic athletes can achieve,” says the Englishman in a somewhat shy voice. He doesn’t really like the limelight because of his illness, but his unparalleled athletic achievements inevitably put him in the spotlight. On Sunday, Holness wants to finish a long-distance triathlon at the Ironman European Championships in Frankfurt – as the first autistic person ever.
The 29-year-old has to swim 3.8 kilometers, cycle 182 kilometers and complete a marathon in the expected heat battle on the Main. His son has a “superpower,” says proud dad Tony: “While reaching the finish line is Sam’s priority, he also sees every competition as an opportunity to change the perception of autism and the lives of others.”
“Punctual, hardworking, relentless”
The role of ambassador drives Sam Holness to peak performance, he wants to get rid of clichés. Holness made history halfway through last year’s 70.3 World Championship. But his goals are bigger. The autistic is living the dream of Hawaii, at best he would like to start in the triathlon Mecca this year. For this he now has to become an “iron man” in Frankfurt – despite his limitations.
The Londoner has lived with an autism spectrum disorder since early childhood. Characteristic of this developmental disorder are deficits in social interaction, stereotypical behavior or difficulties in making eye contact. During the pandemic, Holness started at shorter distances in some ghost races, in Frankfurt he had to deal with a large crowd of spectators for the first time.
His favorite discipline is swimming, he finds it hardest on the bike. “He never misses a training session, doesn’t let himself be distracted, is punctual, hardworking, relentless towards himself and always goes beyond pain limits,” praises his father, who is also his coach. So Sam always has someone from his usual environment with him when he is training. The goal is to stay “under eleven hours”, announces Holness. But no matter what time – the arrival on the Römerberg would be steeped in history.