S6E6 - GB Olympian Caragh McMurtry: Advocate for Neurodiverse Athletes

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

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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.

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

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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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