March 15, 2025

S6E6 - GB Olympian Caragh McMurtry: Advocate for Neurodiverse Athletes

45 minutes

Olympian Caragh McMurtry gives an unflinching look at living and rowing with a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, a follow-on diagnosis of autism, and struggling to fit the standard mold in the GB system. Now retired from rowing and at the helm of Neurodiverse Sport, Caragh champions other neurodiverse athletes, and aims to reshape sports environments so neurodivergent individuals can thrive without needing to mask or compromise their unique needs

QUICK LOOK

00:00 - Episode Intro

01:46 - Rowing week on a sale of 1-10

02:25 - The Huddle: A quick get to know you

04:23 - The Hot Seat Q&A

07:52 - Rowing origin story: an outlet for loads of energy and “messing around”

12:13 - A square peg in the GB system, a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, the negative impacts of medications, autism diagnosis and a new communication plan

20:18 - Separating negative team experiences from the restorative aspect of rowing

23:08 - learning style: quiet coaching, no word salads

27:43 - Neurodiverse Sport: reducing stigma, and making universally designed coaching the norm

32:20 - when you're asking for help, support, accommodations, it needs to be a two way conversation

34:30 - Defining neurodiversity

37:26 - incorporating neurodiversity training into coaching certs

39:01 - the state of the neurodiversity conversation in sport

42:45 - Steady State Network news and notes

To see photos of Caragh, and get links to the people, clubs, and events mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes on our website.

This episode was made possible in part by Breakwater Realty, RowSource, and our Patrons.

Steady State Podcast is written, produced, hosted, and edited by Rachel Freedman and Tara Morgan. Tara provides additional audio engineering and is our sponsor and donor coordinator. Rachel manages the website, social media, and e-newsletter. Our theme music is by Jonas Hipper.

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