As Virtus marks Autism Awareness Month, it is an opportunity to celebrate athletes whose stories reflect resilience, determination and the power of inclusion in sport. Among them is Australian swimmer Kate Wallington, whose remarkable journey in the pool has inspired both people with autism and the wider sporting world.

Wallington made history at the Virtus World Swimming Championships, where she broke 12 world records in the II3 class for athletes with autism. Her extraordinary performance not only highlights her exceptional talent and dedication, but also demonstrates the incredible potential of autistic athletes when they are given the opportunity, recognition and support to compete at the highest level.

Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Wallington is also a student at Murdoch University, where she studies Exercise and Sports Science. Her rise to international success is a story built on years of hard work, unwavering family support, and a deep connection with the water that has shaped both her life and her career.

Discovering Swimming at a Young Age

Wallington first discovered her passion for swimming when she was a child and started competing when she was seven years old. While she had always enjoyed swimming lessons as a child, it quickly developed into something more serious when she began training competitively. What began as a childhood activity soon became central to her life.

“I always loved swimming lessons, I loved being underwater” she explains.

At the time, Wallington had not yet been diagnosed with autism. She was only diagnosed at the age of sixteen, meaning that many of her behaviours and preferences as a child were not fully understood.

Looking back, she now realises that her love for being underwater may have been connected to sensory experiences, which is common for individuals with autism.

Swimming provided comfort and focus, but it also gave her something else that would prove equally important: structure and routine.

“I love the structure and the routine, I love the pain, I love training every day. It’s not just the racing – I love the process. That’s one of my favourite things about swimming,” she says.

The Support Behind Her Success

Behind every one of Wallington’s achievements is the unwavering support of her family, especially her mother.

Her mother was the one who first asked if she wanted to start swimming competitively when she was seven years old. For years, she drove her to early morning training sessions and competitions, supporting her daughter’s dream long before the international recognition arrived. Wallington dedicates every medal she wins to her family as much as she does to herself.

“Every medal that I win, I think she deserves a prize too. That’s her medal as well.”

She believes that her success represents more than an individual achievement. It is also a victory for her family, coaches, friends and the country she represents.

Kate Wallington (centre) celebrating her win with her fellow medallists at the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championship, Bangkok. Photo Credit: SAIT

Challenges Growing Up Without a Diagnosis

Despite her talent in the pool, Wallington’s journey through school and adolescence was not easy. Before her autism diagnosis, she struggled socially and academically without understanding why. Her daily routine was intense – training before school, attending classes for most of the day, and returning to the pool again in the afternoon. Balancing these demands while masking her autistic traits was exhausting.

“I didn’t do well in school because I was not diagnosed, and so got no support in that aspect and really struggled with the socialising aspect, especially while I was training so much. So I would go from training to school and then back to training in the afternoon, and that meant that I didn’t have time to hang out with my friends from school outside of school, so they thought I was a weirdo. I was masking from five o’clock in the morning till, uh, like seven o’clock at night, and then I’ve struggled with sleep as well, so yeah, I don’t know how I survived. That’s why I developed epilepsy”

Kate recalls masking her behaviour from early morning until late in the evening, trying to fit into environments that did not fully understand her needs. Today, however, her experience in education has improved significantly. At Murdoch University, she finds the learning environment more adaptable and inclusive.

Her course in Exercise and Sports Science closely connects with her life as an athlete, and she hopes to eventually work as an exercise physiologist, particularly supporting autistic individuals.

How Autism Has Shaped Her Journey

Wallington opens up about the ways autism has made both swimming and everyday life more challenging. Competing at international events can be particularly overwhelming due to the intense sensory environment.

“Everything is really overstimulating and really tiring. The bright lights, the sounds, everything about it is a lot,” she explains.

However, swimming itself offers a unique sense of calm.

Being underwater reduces the sensory overload of the outside world. The noise fades, the environment becomes predictable, and the water feels familiar.

“I just feel at home when I’m in the water. I hate being on land,” she says.

Communication has also presented challenges throughout her career. Beyond training and racing, athletes must constantly communicate with coaches, committees and clubs. For Wallington, navigating these interactions has often been difficult, but strong support networks have helped her succeed.

“I’m really lucky to be where I am right now. I have a lot of support around me and a lot of neurodivergent people who understand me,” she says.

Competing in the II3 class

Wallington now competes in the II3 class, a category for athletes with autism within the Virtus competition system. For many years, Kate competed in mainstream competitions before receiving her diagnosis. Competing in the II3 category has allowed her to compete alongside athletes who share similar experiences.

For Wallington, this has been one of the most meaningful parts of the championships.

“It’s amazing getting to see everyone else so proud of themselves and so happy.”

Competing with athletes with autism fosters a sense of shared understanding and mutual respect for Kate. Seeing other athletes celebrate their achievements reminds her how much dedication each competitor has invested in their journey.

A Historic Performance

At the 2025 Virtus World Swimming Championships, Wallington’s years of dedication culminated in an extraordinary performance. After more than 12 years of training, she won gold medals and broke 12 world records, representing Australia on the international stage. Kate was also awarded the ‘Best Female Athlete‘ award for her amazing performance at Bangkok 2025.

The moment she touched the wall after one of her races was unforgettable. Winning a world record and representing her country, she says, is a feeling that is difficult to describe.

“Winning a gold medal and getting a world record – you can’t describe how that makes you feel.”

As Virtus celebrates its 40-year anniversary, we proudly celebrate the resilience, determination and extraordinary journey of Kate Wallington. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and inclusion in sport. It shows how understanding, opportunity and strong support can empower athletes with autism to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams and achieve greatness on the world stage.

When Nils-Peter Kling crossed the finish line at the 1994 Winter Paralympics in Lillehammer, he did more than complete a race – gold in cross-country skiing in the category for athletes with an intellectual impairment. Although it was a demonstration event, the victory showed the world that athletes with intellectual impairment belong at the highest level of Paralympic sport. 

Representing Sweden in cross-country skiing, Kling competed in demonstration events and delivered a standout performance in the event helping pave the way for elite competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 

Competing on the Paralympic Stage 

Four years later, Kling competed at the 1998 Winter Paralympic Games in Nagano, Japan, where cross-country skiing events for athletes with intellectual impairment were officially included in the programme. 

Representing Sweden, Kling finished: 

• 9th in the 5 km Classical 

• 8th in the 15 km Free 

• 8th in the 20 km Classical 

His participation formed part of a generation of athletes who demonstrated that athletes with intellectual impairment could compete internationally in winter para sport. 

The 1998 Nagano Winter Paralympics marked an important and historical moment that is often overlooked – Cross-country skiing events for athletes with intellectual impairment were included as official medal events in the programme. Winter Paralympics competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment is not a new concept – it has already existed within the Paralympic Games. More than 30 years later, athletes with an intellectual impairment are still waiting for their return to the Winter Paralympic Games. 

As for Kling, he is remembered as an outstanding athlete and teammate. His achievements and contributions to sport were recognised in 2023 when he was inducted into the Parasport Sweden Hall of Fame by the Swedish Parasport Federation. His story, like many athletes with a disability, speaks to the power of sport in helping people overcome adversity. 

A Life Shaped by Resilience 

Anders Hanssons and Nils Kling posing with Nils autobiography book. Photo Credit: Anders

Long before Lillehammer, Kling’s life had already been shaped by challenges. 

In the early 1980s, Swedish journalist Anders Hansson first met Kling. Known affectionately as “Klingen,” he was energetic, talkative and deeply passionate about skiing. 

Despite the difficulties he faced growing up, Kling was known for his warm personality and eagerness to connect with others. 

Hansson, who worked for the newspaper Falu Kuriren, wrote several articles about Kling, particularly his remarkable performance at Lillehammer in 1994. When Kling returned to his hometown of Falun following the Games, the community celebrated his achievement.  

But the path to that moment had not been easy. 

In later interviews, Gun Lindén – a caregiver and foster parent figure in Sweden who became closely involved in Kling’s life during his youth – described how  Kling had spent part of his childhood in an institution in Hedemora.  His life changed when Lindén welcomed him into her family. With her encouragement and support, Kling discovered skiing – and a passion that would shape the rest of his life. 

Their relationship became a lifelong friendship and laid the foundation for Kling’s sporting journey. 

Inspired by Kling’s resilience, Hansson later wrote a book telling his story. The book explores not only Kling’s sporting achievements but also the broader history of institutionalisation and the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities. 

At its heart is a simple but powerful question: 

Instead of asking “What can’t they do?”, society should ask “What can they do?” 

The book is available for purchase at Adlibis. www.adlibris.se

A Legacy That Calls for Change 

Kling’s story represents more than a personal achievement. It represents a generation of athletes who helped prove that athletes with an intellectual impairment belong in high-performance and Paralympic sport.   

At the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Paralympics, Nordic skiing for athletes with an intellectual impairment was included as a demonstration event. By the  1998 Nagano Paralympic Winter Games, cross-country skiing events for athletes with an intellectual impairment were officially added to the programme. 

However, following dishonest actions by a small number of individuals at the Sydney 2000 Paralympics, athletes with an intellectual impairment were removed from the Paralympic Games.   

Although athletes with an intellectual impairment returned to the Summer Paralympics in London 2012, they are still not included in the Winter Paralympic Games today.  

This leaves out talented athletes without the opportunity to compete on the Paralympic stage in winter sports. 

Looking forward

Virtus continues to campaign for greater inclusion of athletes with intellectual impairment. 

Efforts are underway to expand opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment in winter sports and to introduce medal events for athletes with an intellectual impairment at the next Winter Paralympic Games. 

Recent developments offer hope. French officials have expressed support for including athletes with intellectual impairment at the 2030 Winter Paralympic Games, and Virtus is in direct discussion with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS). Both organisations have also signed an MOU to advance inclusion in winter sports last year. 

But the journey is not finished. 

The re-inclusion effort will continue until athletes with intellectual impairment once again compete at the Winter Paralympic Games, standing alongside athletes with physical and visual impairments as equal members of the Paralympic movement. 

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, we honour the legacy of pioneers like Nils-Peter Kling, whose dedication helped shape opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment. This journey reflects our shared belief in fairness, inclusion, and opportunity, and our determination to restore the place that athletes with an intellectual impairment have already proven they deserve.

In the world of sport for athletes with intellectual disabilities, no two journeys are the same. Some athletes face additional challenges beyond cognitive impairment – health conditions, sensory difficulties, or physical limitations – that can affect how they compete. Acknowledging this reality is what led to the development of the II2 class.

The Birth of the II2 class

II2 class is a competition class for athletes with an intellectual impairment and with significant other impairment. Studies have shown that people with intellectual impairments have, on average, 11 types of physical health conditions. This competition class was developed to level the playing field for athletes with an intellectual impairment, who might have other impairments or health/sensory issues. These may arise from specific chromosomal conditions, like Down syndrome, or from the unique ways an individual develops. Challenges can include cardiac problems, respiratory issues, differences in muscle tone or flexibility, and sensory difficulties such as vision or hearing impairments.

“II2 is a reminder that equity in sport is not about treating everyone the same, but about understanding difference. By recognising the additional challenges some athletes face, we create genuinely fair competition“, says Prof Jan Burns MBE.

For these athletes, competing in the II1 class that was designed for those with just intellectual disability can be unfair. The additional impairments can affect performance in ways that go beyond strategy, memory, or pacing. Athletes with these more complex functional needs require a competition environment where they can compete on a level playing field.

This is where II2 comes in. While it is not a Down syndrome class, many athletes with Down syndrome naturally fall into II2 because the syndrome usually brings associated physical or sensory impairments. But II2 is broader: it is for any athlete whose intellectual disability comes with additional significant challenges. By creating this class, athletes with diverse conditions – but similar functional limitations – can compete fairly together.

Research behind the II2 class

The journey to II2 began with research in 2012. The research was spearheaded by Professor Jan Burns MBE and completed with Dr Rosanna Gilderthorp, Dr Suzie Lemmey and Dr Lorena Tussis. They worked to develop a screening questionnaire to assess the health status of athletes and a process to evidence the performance limitations, to ensure the class would be evidence-based and fair.

(L-R) Dr Rosanna Gilderthorp, Prof Jan Burns MBE and Dr Suzie Lemmey at GG2019

“Being involved in the research and development of II2 for Virtus was a truly rewarding experience. It was a privilege to contribute to a framework designed to improve fairness and inclusiveness in sport, and to see that work come to life in practice!”, said Dr Lorena.

After years of careful development, II2 was officially introduced as a full competition class at the Brisbane 2019 Virtus Global Games. Today, there are over 660 athletes registered in the II2 class, all competing in an environment designed to reflect both their abilities and their challenges.

II2 is more than a category; it’s a recognition that fairness in sport requires nuance. It ensures that athletes with intellectual disabilities – whether or not they have conditions like Down syndrome – can compete with confidence, knowing they are on an even playing field with others facing similar challenges.

Athletes wishing to apply for athlete eligibility must contact the Virtus National Member Organisation within their country.

As Virtus celebrates its 40th anniversary, we want to extend our gratitude to the research team whose contributions towards developing this eligibility class have been instrumental in helping Virtus to create a fairer space for athletes with intellectual impairment and significant other impairments to compete on the elite stage.

Virtus at 40: Championing Excellence Since 1986

The 2026 Virtus World Short Track Championships came to an electrifying close in Ourense, Spain, with world records, dominant performances, and dramatic finals marking the final day of competition.

Athletes from across the globe delivered memorable moments on the indoor track, closing three days of competition with impressive performances across sprints, middle-distance races, relays, jumps, and combined events.

Winners from the 4x400m really. Photo Credit: FEDDI

Spain thrilled the home crowd with a spectacular world record in the men’s 4x400m relay, clocking 3:23.62 to take gold. The quartet of Deliber Rodriguez Ramirez, Martin Fernandez Novoa, Dionibel Rodriguez Rodriguez and David Jose Pineda Mejia powered to victory ahead of Portugal and France.

Spain’s David Jose Pineda Mejia had already made headlines earlier in the championships, smashing the 200m II1 world record with 21.76 seconds, highlighting the dominance of Spanish athletes on home soil.

Standout Performances of the Championships

Several athletes delivered exceptional multi-event performances throughout the championships, collecting multiple medals and showcasing remarkable consistency across disciplines.

Andrea Mattone (Italy) emerged as one of the most versatile athletes of the competition. After securing gold in the Shot Put II3 and silver in the Long Jump II3, Mattone returned on the final day to claim gold in the 400m II3, completing an impressive three-medal haul (2 gold, 1 silver) and confirming his dominance in the II3 category.

Fatma Damla Altin (Türkiye) demonstrated outstanding all-around ability. She captured gold in the Women’s Pentathlon, contributed to Türkiye’s victory in the Women’s 4x200m relay, and added a bronze medal in the High Jump II1, finishing the championships with three medals (2 gold, 1 bronze).

 

Aleksandar Asenov (in the middle) posing during the medal ceremony. Photo Credit: FEDDI

Aleksandar Asenov (Bulgaria) also enjoyed a remarkable championship in the II2 classification. After winning gold in the Shot Put II2 and Triathlon II2, Asenov continued his strong form on the final day by taking gold in the 60m II2, completing a standout campaign with three gold medals.

David Jose Pineda Mejia (Spain) thrilled the home crowd with record-breaking performances. He set a new world record in the 200m II1 and was part of Spain’s world-record-breaking 4x400m relay team, securing two gold medalsand cementing his place among the standout athletes of the championships.

 

Italy Tops the Medal Table

Italy finished the championships as the most successful nation, topping the medal standings with 17 gold medals and 25 total medals. Spain finished second with 17 medals, while Portugal secured third place with 14 medals overall.

With multiple world records, national records, and remarkable performances across all classifications, the Virtus World Short Track Championships in Ourense showcased the extraordinary talent of athletes with intellectual impairments.

As the championships conclude, athletes leave Spain not only with medals but with new records, unforgettable moments, and inspiration for the competitions ahead.

Ourense, Spain – The opening sessions of the Virtus World Championships at the Pista de Atletismo Cuberta de Ourense delivered exceptional performances, highlighted by world records, championship records, and strong international competition.

Spain’s Deliber Rodriguez Ramirez produced one of the standout performances of the championships, winning the Men’s 400m II1 final in 48.91 seconds, setting a new World Record. The mark improves the previous record of 48.94 set in 2024 and capped an impressive day for the Spanish team.

Deliber Rodríguez Ramírez admitted that the world record performance came as a surprise, even to him.

“Honestly, I didn’t expect it. I trained well, but very calmly. I came into the race with good preparation, expecting maybe a personal best. I thought I could run 48 seconds, and I did it. And it’s the first time I’ve ever done it.”

Another world record fell in the Men’s 3000m II1, where Gael Geffroy (France) ran a remarkable 8:25.35 to take gold in one of the fastest races of the competition. Ukraine’s Pavlo Voluikevych finished second in 8:25.86, while Mehmet Emin Eğilmez (Turkey) claimed bronze in 8:28.44.

Gaël Geffroy said he felt well prepared for the competition and was confident going into the race after months of hard training.

“Honestly, I trained very hard to get here. I prepared well, and on top of that, I managed to break the world record. We had aimed for around 8:25, at least. The final placing depends on everyone in the race, but I managed to do it. I was already European champion last year, and now I’ve become world champion for the very first time.”

In sprint action, Igor Oliveira (Portugal) set a Championship Record of 6.94 seconds in the Men’s 60m II1 semifinals, underlining Portugal’s strong presence across the sprint events.

Lenine Cunha in action during high-jump at Ourence 2026. Photo Credit: FEDDi

Portugal also celebrated success in the field events. Ana Filipe secured gold in the Women’s Triple Jump II1 with a best jump of 11.41m, and added another podium finish in the women’s hurdles competition.

Versatile Portuguese athlete Lenine Cunha delivered a series of strong performances across multiple events, earning medals in hurdles and triple jump while also leading the men’s pentathlon competition.

Italy stood out in the Women’s Long Jump II2, where Chiara Zeni won gold with a jump of 3.78m, leading an Italian clean sweep of the podium ahead of Elisa Zendri and Nicole Orlando.

In the Men’s Long Jump II2, David Vodstrčil (Czech Republic) secured the title with 4.52m, narrowly beating Bulgaria’s Aleksandar Asenov and France’s Nicolas Virapin in a closely contested event.

Distance events were highly competitive throughout the sessions. In the Women’s 3000m II1, Aneta Bielecka (Poland)claimed gold in 11:11.41 ahead of compatriot Anna Bodziony and Ukraine’s Iryna Kandyba.

Saturday evening’s finals added more standout performances. In the Women’s Shot Put II1, Gloria Agblemagnon (France) produced a throw of 14.31m, setting a Championship Record to win gold.

Winners from the women’s 4x200m relay. Photo Credit: FEDDI

Relay events also brought intense competition, with Portugal winning the men’s 4x200m final in 1:33.35, narrowly ahead of Spain in 1:33.44, while France finished third. In the women’s 4x200m relay, Turkish women defeated the Polish team to claim the title, followed by Ukraine.

In the II3 category, Italy continued its success through Andrea Mattone, who won the Men’s Shot Put II3 with a throw of 7.73m, and Federico Cabizza, who claimed victory in the Men’s 60m II3 in 7.46 seconds.

Spain also celebrated a strong performance in the Men’s 1500m II2, with Jose Nicolas Castaño Castro leading a Spanish one-two finish ahead of teammate Mikel García Aguirrezabal.

The championships have already showcased remarkable athletic performances, with multiple records and tight finishes setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the competition in Ourense.