Sui Watts: Overcoming Down Syndrome And Riding Towards Her Dreams
Virtus is celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by highlighting some of our iconic athletes with Down Syndrome who are inspiring the younger generation worldwide.
Sui Watts, an equestrian athlete whose dedication and passion for the sport have taken her to international competitions. Living on a small farm four hours north of Sydney, Australia, Sui has built a life surrounded by family, animals, and a deep love for dressage. Sui’s journey with horses began when she was four years old, shortly after her family adopted her.
“If I didn’t have Down Syndrome, I wouldn’t have been adopted, and I wouldn’t have met horses. My new family had horses, and as soon as I saw them, I fell in love.”
Sui Watts (third from right with glasses with the pink frame) with her family.
Her biggest supporters have been her mother, her coach Nell Marshman, and her family.
“I have so many people who have helped me on this journey, but my mum and coach Nell have been there every step of the way,” she says.
Sui draws inspiration from Paralympian Jan Pike, a bronze and silver medalist from the Athens Paralympics.
“Jan helped me when I started competing, she showed me what was possible and made me believe that I could achieve my dreams” Sui recalls.
Living with Down Syndrome has brought challenges, particularly in social situations.
“I find it very hard to talk to people because I don’t trust they will understand me. It makes me embarrassed, so I stop trying,” Sui admits.
Despite these struggles, she has found solace and confidence in the equestrian community. “I’m very lucky—I live in a fabulous community where people have accepted me for what I can do.”
Training has also been demanding, especially in maintaining balance on her horse.
“Keeping my hands still is really hard, but I love personal training and working on my fitness. I know that every little bit of effort helps me improve.”
Sui Watts is riding elegantly at Gg2023. Photo Credit: DETREZ
Sui has won multiple gold and silver medals across various Virtus video competitions, but her proudest moment came at the 2023 Vichy Global Games where she won two gold medals.
“It was where my dream came true. I rode with the Australian flag on my saddlecloth and won two gold medals in front of my family and best friend. That was the best feeling ever!”
GG2023 was also historic as the first time equestrian was introduced as a live Virtus competition and like every other rider, Sui too was excited to compete live with her competitors.
“It was so exciting to finally compete in person instead of through video competitions. Meeting and riding against other athletes with Down Syndrome was amazing,” Sui says.
Sui also won one gold and one bronze at the 2024 Open European Equestrian Championships, UK and now setting her sights on the first Virtus World Championships in 2025.
“My goal is to make the Australian team and, if I do, to do my best and enjoy the journey. I want to make an Australian Paralympic team. Sadly, Dressage for athletes with an intellectual impairment or for down syndrome isn’t in the Paralympics yet, but I hope it will happen in my lifetime.”
On World Down Syndrome Day, Sui has an important message for young athletes:
“Dream big, work hard, but have lots of fun. I believe perseverance and passion can lead to incredible achievements. If you love something, keep going no matter what. You never know where your dreams might take you!”
As Sui continues her journey in the equestrian world, she remains a shining example of determination, resilience, and the power of believing in oneself.
