Research Reveals Key Differences in Race Pacing Among Elite Athletes with Intellectual Impairments and Down Syndrome

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A new study has provided fresh insights into how elite track athletes with intellectual impairments (II) and with/without additional significant impairment, such as Down syndrome (DS), pace themselves during competitive races. The research focused on performance during the 2023 Virtus Global Games, analysing pacing strategies in the 400-metre and 1,500-metre track events.

This study is an important first step to establish the credibility of the sport classification system for II2-athletes, leading to fairer competition. It also contributes to a broader understanding of performance patterns in Para sports, offering valuable insights that can inform inclusive coaching methods and event design.

The research was conducted by Pieter Boer from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa, Jan Burns MBE from Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, United Kingdom and Virtus Eligibility Head, United Kingdom, along with Debbie Van Biesen from KU Leuven, Belgium and Virtus Academy Manager.

Purpose and Approach

The goal of the study was to compare the pacing profiles of elite athletes with II (without DS) and those with DS. A total of 67 athletes participated in the final 400-m and 1,500-m events, competing in their respective classification groups.

  • 400-m event: Male and female athletes from both II and DS classes were included.
  • 1,500-m event: Only male athletes were assessed.

Race pacing was measured by segmenting race times and comparing running velocity across different phases of each event.

Key Findings

400-metre event:

  • Athletes with II (without DS) demonstrated a steeper decline in speed over the race, particularly compared to those with DS.

1,500-metre event:

  • Athletes with Down syndrome experienced a greater drop in running velocity over time, along with more pronounced fluctuations throughout the race.
  • In contrast, runners with II (without DS) showed more consistent pacing and better regulation of intensity over the full distance.

This research demonstrates that elite athletes with Down syndrome face distinct physiological and pacing challenges compared to their peers with other intellectual impairments. These differences underline the importance of tailored training, coaching, and classification systems that consider the unique needs and capabilities of different athlete groups.

By understanding these pacing profiles, coaches, sport scientists can better support the development of evidence-based training methods, as well as advocate for fair and appropriate competition opportunities.

As Virtus continues to promote high-performance sport for athletes with intellectual impairments—including those with Down syndrome—this research plays a pivotal role in advancing inclusive sport science.

Visit https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2024-0181 to read the full paper. A copy of the paper is also available upon request – simply send an email to Academy@virtus.sport

Explore the Virtus Research Hub and stay updated on new findings that drive better understanding, coaching, and performance support for athletes with intellectual impairments.

New Study Sheds Light on Coaching Practices for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism

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A new study, ‘Coaching Individuals With Intellectual Disability and/or Autism: Perspectives of Coaches and Physical Education Teachers in Belgium’, has been published recently in Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly. 

The research was carried out by six researchers, Dianne Kortekaas, Tine Van Damme en Debbie Van Biesen from KU Leuven, Belgium, Sean Healy from University of Limerick, Ireland, , Ingi Einarsson from Reykjavík University, Iceland, along with Jan Burns MBE, Virtus’ Head of Eligibility and Academic lead at Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, Kent, GB

The study was conducted as a part of the EU-funded IDEAL 2.0 project: “Inclusive and equitable access to sport for people with intellectual disabilities and autism”.

The outcomes of this research have directly informed the development of two free online courses: Coaching Individuals with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism – Introductory Course and Coaching Elite Athletes with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism – Advanced Course.

The courses are now available on Virtus Academy.

“These courses aims to empower coaches and teachers with the practical tools and understanding needed to support individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism better”, said Debbie Van Biesen, Virtus Academy Manager, who was also one of the authors of the paper.

Using a qualitative research method,16 coaches and physical education teachers working across inclusive, integrated, and segregated sports settings were interviewed. The research was aimed at getting a better understanding of the real-world challenges and support needs faced by professionals in this essential and evolving field.

The findings from this study provided some vital insights into the day-to-day experiences of physical activity professionals when coaching or teaching individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and/or autism.

Key Highlights from the Study

  • Coaching goes beyond sport

The study reveals that effective coaching for individuals with ID and/or autism demands much more than sport-specific instruction. Coaches often need to navigate behavioural, emotional, and communication challenges, requiring a broad and adaptive skill set.

  • There’s a clear call for tailored coach education

Participants consistently highlighted the gaps in traditional coach education, calling for more hands-on experience, peer learning, and training that is specific to disability. These tailored approaches are essential for building confidence and competence in inclusive coaching environments.

  • Inclusion is rewarding, but complex

While inclusive sports settings offer meaningful opportunities for social integration, they also present complexities. Coaches must adopt flexible, individualised approaches to accommodate a wide range of skills, behaviours, and group dynamics.

  • Collaboration makes all the difference

Strong partnerships with parents, schools, and other professionals are key. Such collaboration ensures continuity, builds trust, and supports more effective coaching outcomes across all environments.

Moving towards inclusive and informed coaching

In a related study to be published soon, the research team explores similar themes—but this time with a focus on coaches working at the elite level, including those in settings such as Virtus and Paralympic sports.

This important work marks another step forward in advancing inclusive, informed, and compassionate coaching practices in sport and physical activity.

The full research article can be accessed from https://doi.org/10.1123/apaq.2024-0206

A copy of the paper is also available upon request – simply email Academy@virtus.sport

2025 Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship Is Coming To Torino, Italy

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Virtus – the International Sports Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment – is proud to announce that the 5th Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship will take place in Torino, Italy, from 13 to 17 October 2025. The event will be hosted at the Impianto PalaMirafiori, an indoor venue in the heart of the city.

The championship will be organised in collaboration with FISDIR (Federazione Italiana Sport Paralimpici degli Intellettivo Relazionali), Virtus’ national member organisation in Italy, and Canottieri Armida, one of Italy’s oldest and most respected rowing clubs.

This marks a significant return of Virtus rowing to Italy, a country with a rich tradition of inclusion and excellence in adaptive sports. FISDIR brings a wealth of experience, having hosted a range of major events including the Virtus Indoor and Outdoor Rowing Championships (2014, 2015), World Basketball Championships (2008, 2017), World Indoor Athletics (2016), and the prestigious 2011 Global Games, as well as numerous European-level competitions.

Founded in 1869, Canottieri Armida has played a pivotal role in shaping Italian rowing and promoting inclusive sport. Since 2001, the club has led national efforts to support rowing for people with disabilities, establishing one of Europe’s strongest inclusive rowing teams. It is also known for its long-running and inclusive event “Rowing For…”, which enters its 19th edition in 2025 under the banner “Rowing for Los Angeles – Paralympic Games 2028 Trophy”, to be held immediately after the Virtus Championship from October 17–19.

“We are thrilled to bring the 2025 Virtus World Indoor Rowing Championship to Italy. This is more than a competition — it’s a platform to elevate the sport and showcase the talent and determination of athletes with intellectual impairments,” said Francesco Ambrosio, President of FISDIR.

Torino, a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history, provides a fitting backdrop for this global championship. Originally founded by Celtic tribes and later developed as the Roman camp Julia Augusta Taurinorum around 28 BC, Torino is renowned for its blend of historic charm and modern innovation. It was the first capital of unified Italy and the host of the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games, reflecting its ongoing commitment to inclusive sport. From baroque palaces and world-class museums to its alpine setting and culinary traditions, the city welcomes the global Virtus community with open arms.

“We are all very excited about the organisation of the World Rowing Indoor Championships in Italy. Once again, we are counting on the support of FISDIR to organise the World Championships, from 13 to 17 October in Turin,” said Nuno Santa Rita, Virtus Rowing Director. 

“We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for all involved, with a dedicated team and the support of several public and private partners who believe in the transformative power of inclusive sport. See you all in Turin”, he further added.

The event will be proudly supported by the Italian Rowing Federation and the Italian Paralympic Committee, reinforcing Italy’s dedication to inclusive excellence in sport.

Information pack and more details will follow soon.

Virtus Welcomes Alexander Hillhouse as Anti-Doping Ambassador

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Virtus – the International Sports Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment – is excited to welcome Alexander Hillhouse as its Anti-Doping Ambassador. Hillhouse is the first-ever anti-doping ambassador appointed by Virtus.

This milestone reinforces Virtus’ deep commitment to protecting the integrity of sport through education, awareness, and advocacy for clean competition.

Hillhouse, a Paralympic swimmer with an intellectual impairment from Denmark, is a rising star in the international para-sport community. Hillhouse received his Virtus eligibility in 2020 and has since become a symbol of excellence and integrity in the pool – winning two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals at the 2023 Virtus Global Games. Alexander made headlines by breaking the Paralympic record in the S14 100m Butterfly at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Hillhouse was awarded with the ‘Pressalit Para-athlete of the year 2024’ for his splendid performance at Paris 2024. This is the second time in a row that Alexander had received the award.

Hillhouse posing with his fellow medalists William Ellard and Gabriel Bandeira at S14 100m Butterfly at Paris 2024 (left) and receiving the ‘Pressalit Para-athlete of the year 2024’ award (right). Photo Credit: Paralympics GB and Paralympic Committee of Denmark.

Hillhouse has long been a passionate advocate for clean sport in Denmark. Ahead of the Paris 2024 Games, he actively collaborated with his National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to develop educational content and raise awareness around anti-doping.

“It is so important to compete without using any substances to boost performance. Doping can damage your health and destroy your career. I urge all athletes, especially those with an intellectual impairment, to play clean. Champions are remembered for their dedication, not shortcuts,” said Hillhouse

In his new ambassadorial role, Alexander will work alongside Virtus to amplify the impact of the 2025 Anti-Doping Awareness Program, which launched on 19 May as a continuation of the movement initiated on ‘Play True Day’ in April 2024. The program is run in partnership with IBSA and World Ability Sport, delivering accessible anti-doping education to athletes, youth, coaches, and support staff across the globe.

With Hillhouse’s leadership, Virtus aims to further strengthen its education efforts and inspire the next generation of athletes to compete with pride, fairness, and respect.

“With Alexander on board, we are not just promoting clean sport—we are empowering role models who lead by example. He represents everything this movement stands for: excellence, integrity, and inclusion,” said Marc Truffaut, Virtus President.

Virtus looks forward to working with Hillhouse to expand the reach of anti-doping awareness and build a global culture where true champions play clean.

Eligibility Manager (part-time)

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Virtus is creating an exciting new part-time post within the staff team for an Eligibility Manager.

The post holder manage the Virtus athlete eligibility process on a day-to-day basis liaising with the Head of Eligibility and Eligibility Committee to ensure a robust, efficient and effective service for sport worldwide.

Candidates should be experienced in the diagnosis of intellectual impairment, having been educated in  or employed in a psychological services role.

For full details, please download the full information pack.

Applications should be uploaded here no later than 8th June 2025.

 

Virtus Opens Nominations for the 6th Virtus Awards

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Virtus, the International Sports Federation for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment, is thrilled to open nominations for the 6th Virtus Awards.

Virtus Awards is our way of honouring the remarkable individuals who embody the very best of our movement. Whether it’s the unstoppable drive of an athlete, the selfless commitment of a volunteer, or the enduring impact of a coach or team, these awards celebrate those who have left a lasting imprint on the Virtus family.

In every arena where sport is played, stories of resilience, triumph, and quiet dedication unfold. At Virtus, we’ve long believed that the world of sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment is not just about competition—it’s about courage, commitment, and community. It’s about breaking boundaries and redefining what excellence looks like.

The Virtus Awards are not just accolades. They are acknowledgements of the hard work often done out of the spotlight. They are a moment to express gratitude and to make their efforts towards Virtus’ mission visible.

Nominations are open across five categories:

  • Best Male Athlete
  • Best Female Athlete
  • Best Team
  • Unsung Hero – Honouring volunteers whose contributions often go unseen, but never unfelt
  • Virtus Hall of Fame – Celebrating a lifetime of dedication to sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment

Criteria for nominations:

  • For athlete and team categories, achievements must fall between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2025
  • All nominees for the athlete and team categories must appear on the Virtus Master List
  • Hall of Fame nominees should demonstrate exceptional and long-term commitment to advancing sport for athletes with intellectual impairments.
  • Nominations must be submitted by the Virtus member organisation

Nominations are open until August 15, 2025 and can be submitted online here.

A panel appointed by the Virtus Governing Board will review all submissions and select the awardees.

The prestigious awards will be presented at the Virtus General Assembly weekend in Cairo, Egypt, in November 2025.

Virtus invites its global community—athletes, coaches, supporters, member organisations, and the general public—to submit nominations and help honour the stories that define the spirit of inclusion and excellence.

Nominate today. Let their story be heard.

Dominic and Bezzi Strikes Gold, Anna and Hunter Stays Undefeated At Astana 2025

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Anna McBride (GBR) successfully defended her title for the fourth consecutive time since the Global Games 2019. In a repeat of Annecy 2024, she met Eva Blanc (FRA) in another thrilling final. Despite both athletes starting strong, Anna’s relentless smashes proved too much for Eva, sealing the win 6-3, 6-2. Meanwhile, Belgium’s Hanee Lavreysen overcame Australia’s Kelly Wren 6-4, 6-2 to earn bronze.

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Dominic Iannotti (GBR) transformed his Annecy 2024 bronze into gold at Astana 2025. The GG2019 champion defeated teammate Oliver Beadle with a sharp 7-5, 6-0 victory. After a six-year wait, Iannotti reclaimed his place at the top of the podium.

In the Men’s II2 final, Bezzi Emanuele (ITA) avenged his Annecy 2024 loss to Australia’s Timothy Gould. Though Gould started with a dominant 6-0 first set, Bezzi came back fiercely to win the second set 6-3. The decider was a tense battle that went to a tie-break, with Bezzi clinching it 10-8 to secure his first Virtus World Tennis Championship gold. Gabrielle Vietti (ITA) earned bronze by defeating Ramadani Sai Aman (AUS) 6-3, 7-6(8).

In the Men’s II3 final, Hunter Thompson (AUS) claimed his second straight world title. He and close friend—and frequent rival—Hayden Ballard (AUS) delivered another nail-biting rematch of their Annecy clash. After splitting the first two sets, Hunter edged out Hayden in a 10-8 third-set tiebreaker.

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In the II1 Mixed Doubles final, the powerful British pair of Anna McBride and Dominic Iannotti dominated Australia’s Archie Graham and Kelly Wren. Despite a competitive start, the Aussies couldn’t hold off the British momentum, falling 6-1, 6-0.

For full result, visit the Astana 2025 website.

Intense Battles Mark Semifinals and Doubles Finals at Astana 2025

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In a high-stakes semifinal of the II1 Men’s Singles, two Global Games champions—Archie Graham (AUS) and Dominic Iannotti (GBR)—faced off for a spot in the final. Iannotti overpowered Graham 6-3, 6-3 to book his place in the championship match, where he’ll meet fellow Brit Oliver Beadle, who defeated France’s Benjamin Coulier 7-5, 6-4. Graham and Coulier will now compete for the bronze.

In the II3 Men’s Singles, Australia is guaranteed gold as Hunter Thompson and Hayden Ballard advance to the final. Thompson beat France’s Shricke Aharon 6-4, 6-3, while Ballard came through a tough test against Segre Youen (FRA), winning 6-1, 4-6, 10-8.

Doubles Champions Crowned

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Great Britain dominated the Men’s II1 doubles field. Dominic Iannotti and Fabrice Higgins clinched gold with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Oliver Beadle and Aidan Moody. Australia’s Graham and Damian Phillips secured the bronze, defeating France’s Coulier and Etchebarne Arthur 6-2, 6-1.

In the Women’s II1 Doubles, Elise Delvas and Eva Blanc (FRA) triumphed over Kelly Wren and Andriana Petrakis (AUS) with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 performance. Great Britain’s Lillie Mills and Anna McBride took third after overcoming Kazakhstan’s Rogova Antonina and Baksheyeva Mariya.

Italy took the Men’s II2 doubles gold with Bezzi Emanuele and Vietti Gabriele on top. Australians Timothy Gould and Ramadani Sai Aman earned silver, while Italy’s Beckmann Hugo and Faivre Jean-Philippe claimed bronze.

In Men’s II3 Doubles, Australia’s Thompson and Ballard secured gold, France’s Segre and Shricke won silver, and Kazakhstan’s Ordabay Dastan and Yugay Valeriy captured the bronze.

Mixed Doubles Finals Ahead

The II1 Mixed Doubles finals are set for tomorrow. Dominic Iannotti and Anna McBride (GBR) will take on Australia’s Archie Graham and Kelly Wren for gold, while Benjamin Coulier and Thorel Anais will face Etchebarne Arthur and Eva Blanc in the bronze match.

To watch the finals live, visit https://ktf.kz/live/ 

For full results, visit the Astana 2025 website.

Annecy 2024 Finals Showdown To Be Repeated At Astana 2025

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The tennis courts at Astana 2025 saw high-stakes clashes as top players delivered electrifying performances across singles and doubles matches.

In the Women’s II1 singles, a classic rivalry is set to reignite as Anna McBride (GBR) and Eva Blanc (FRA), finalists from Annecy 2024, will meet once again for the finals on the court. McBride cruised past Hanna Lavreysen (BEL) with a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win. Blanc, the Annecy runner-up, powered through Kelly Wren (AUS) 6-2, 6-0 to secure her place in the final. Both Anna and Eva are known to play attacking and aggressively, and dragged their finals last year beyond two hours. The finals will definitely be thrilling for this duo.

In the Men’s II1 singles, reigning world champion Archie Graham (AUS) was tested by Fabrice Higgins (GBR) but held his ground to win 6-3, 6-4. Dominic Iannotti (GBR) swept past Phillips Damian (AUS) 6-0, 6-1, setting up a thrilling face-off with Graham for a semifinal spot. Meanwhile, Coulier Benjamin (FRA) defeated Aidan Moody (GBR) 6-4, 6-2, and Oliver Beadle (GBR) edged out Etchebarne Arthur (FRA) in a nail-biter, 7-5, 6-7(4), 10-7. Coulier and Beadle now advance to the semifinals.

(L-R) Bezzi Emanuele and Thompson Hunter are making their way into to finals and semifinals. Photo Credit: IDSport

In Men’s II2 singles, the Annecy 2024 finalists Timothy Gould (AUS) and Bezzi Emanuele (ITA) are headed for another showdown. Bezzi overwhelmed Ramadani Sai Aman (AUS) 6-0, 6-1, while Gould dispatched Gabrielle Vietti (ITA) 6-2, 6-3.

In Men’s II3 singles semifinals, it’s Australia versus France, as Thompson Hunter and Ballard Hayden (AUS) prepare to take on Shricke Aharon and Segre Youen (FRA).

Doubles Action

The UK showed strong dominance in the Men’s II1 doubles. The pairings of Fabrice Higgins and Dominic Iannotti, and Oliver Beadle and Aidan Moody both stormed into the finals. They secured decisive wins against Australian duo of Archie Graham and Phillips Damian (6-2, 6-0) and the French team of Coulier and Etchebarne (6-3, 6-4), respectively.

The Women’s II1 doubles final will see France’s Delvas Elise and Eva Blanc take on Andriana Petrakis and Kelly Wren (AUS) for the title. Meanwhile, Great Britain’s Anna McBride and Lillie Mills will compete against Kazakhstan’s Baksheyeva Mariya and Rogova Antonina for third place.

For full result, visit the Astana 2025 website.

To watch a livestream, visit https://ktf.kz/live/ 

Astana 2025 To Heat Up As Knock-Out Matches Starts Tomorrow

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The 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships officially began on May 5 with uplifting remarks from dignitaries, setting the tone for a week of top-tier competition. For three days, athletes have been battling in round robin matches to secure their place in the main draws.

In the Men’s II1 category, top-seeded Archie Graham (AUS), a reigning GG2023 gold medallist and multi-time world champion, headlines the fight for the top eight, alongside strong contenders like Fabrice Higgins (GBR), Damian Phillips (AUS), and Benjamin Coulier (FRA). Graham’s anticipated clash with Higgins is one of the key matchups drawing attention.

The Women’s II1 bracket promises equally intense action, with the Annecy 2024 champion ready to face Belgium’s Lavreysen Hanee. Kelly Wren (AUS), Eva Blanc (FRA), and Kazakhstan’s Mariya Baksheyeva are also in the mix, with matchups that will determine the top five positions.

In the Men’s II2 category, Italy and Australia go head-to-head as Annecy 2024 silver medallist, Emanuele Bezzi (ITA) takes on Ramadani Sai Aman (AUS), while Annecy 2024 gold medallist, Timothy Gould (AUS) faces Gabrielle Vietti (ITA) in the semi-final run. Meanwhile, France’s Bechmann Hugo and Jean-Philippe Faivre will contest the fifth-place match.

The Men’s II3 competition is heating up too, with Australia’s Hunter Thompson and Hayden Ballard going up against France’s Segre Youen and Aharon Shricke, respectively. Host nation Kazakhstan sees Dastan Ordabay battling fellow teammate Valerly Yugay in the race for a podium finish.

With talent stacked across categories and national pride on the line, the championships are already delivering fierce competition—and the best is yet to come.

Taza Kazakhstan

Alongside the high-stakes matches of the 2025 Virtus World Tennis Championships, IDSport added a meaningful layer to the event by organising an eco-campaign.

Delegates and athletes taking part in ‘Taza Kazakhsthan’. Photo Credit: IDSport

IDSport organized an eco-campaign on 6th May where international delegates, athletes, and the akim of the capital’s district came together to plant trees and support an environmental initiative as part of the Virtus World Tennis Championship. The event is dedicated to the republican campaign “Taza Kazakhstan” and has become a symbol of friendship, sustainable development and international solidarity.

Talking about the eco-campaign, President of the Federation, Dina Temirgaliyeva, said,

“We believe that sport is not only about competitions, but also about values. Planting trees together with delegations from all over the world is our contribution to the future, where inclusion and care for nature go hand in hand. This alley will become a living symbol of the fact that our championship brings positive changes not only in the lives of athletes, but also in the life of the city and society.”

For the draw and full results, visit the competition website.

To watch the matches live from Astana, visit: https://ktf.kz/live/