Olympian Chris Morgan marks World Autism Awareness Month with a Unique Olympics Unleashed Visit

Triple Olympian and bronze medallist rower Chris Morgan inspired autistic students at Giant Steps and St Lucy’s schools with an Olympics Unleashed Presented by Optus session.

As an Olympian diagnosed as autistic, Chris used his experience on and off the rowing course to connect with students at Giant Steps and St Lucy’s, both schools that specialise in educational support for children on the autism spectrum.

As part of Autism Awareness Month Chris is generating awareness of cognitive difference and the strengths that neurodiversity can bring to teams. He is truly passionate about inspiring those on the spectrum to create the best versions of themselves and to have the confidence to know that they too can succeed.

At today’s Olympics Unleashed session he spoke about when he learned of his diagnosis and how this impacted his sporting career.

"I felt like I never quite fit in and that was causing real friction within the team. I tended to focus on some of the more technical aspects of the sport and the communication of that did not always come across in the way it was intended. It wasn’t until I got a diagnosis that we could work together effectively and use my different way of thinking, it was at this time that I had the clarity and support to really thrive and contribute more."

"I see cognitive differences just like any other difference in society. We need to learn how we can integrate these differences into how we connect. It’s like how we work with people with hearing impairment or blindness as an example, we might use subtitles or braille to facilitate communication. People with cognitive differences are similar in that we need society to understand and support us in how we communicate so that we can all live our best lives."

"Through presenting to children within the Olympics Unleashed program, the one thing that I reinforce with them is the idea that they, ‘don’t write off the possibilities.’ I learned throughout my career not to put limits on my belief of what I can achieve and I feel that this is as true for people on the spectrum as it is for all of us."

Claire Cherrington, Head of Secondary at Giant Steps Sydney spoke about Chris presentation to students and what this has meant for students at the school.

"Our students with autism had the amazing opportunity to meet Chris Morgan, an Olympic rower who is also on the autism spectrum. The students loved the messages of overcoming adversity, and the value of hard work and believing in themselves. They also especially enjoyed being taught by Chris how to use a rowing machine, and the once in a lifetime chance to wear an Olympic medal!"

"Thank you so much Chris and Olympics Unleashed for visiting our school."

AOC CEO Matt Carroll congratulated Chris on using Olympic Unleashed to inspire young Australians on the spectrum to create the best versions of themselves and to have the confidence to know that they too can succeed.

"The power of sport has no boundaries."

"To build a connected and inclusive society we need to understand our differences and enable everyone to make a meaningful contribution. Sport plays a role to open our minds and help us to learn about others including those on the autism spectrum."

"During this month it has been great to see athletes like Chris work to inspire autistic students via the Olympics Unleashed program, encouraging these students to get involved in sport and experience the many benefits it can bring to their lives."

You can find out more about Olympics Unleashed and register your school for a visit at www.olympicsunleashed.com.au

For more information please contact Jonathan Sweet on 0400 679 329 or at Jonathan.sweet@olympics.com.au

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