Adrien interviews Johanna, Brian, and Alexandra about their rowing journeys and their efforts to create a new para category for neurodivergent rowers. Johanna shares her coxing journey since 2006 and her recent diagnosis with autism and ADHD, which inspired her to work with Brian to develop a para category for neurodivergent athletes. Brian discusses his 30-year involvement in rowing, including coaching adaptive rowing programs and his current role as director of U15 programs at Oakland Strokes and development coach for US Rowing para team. Alexandra describes her transition from competitive figure skating to rowing and coxing, and her plans to write a memoir about being a Division I athlete with autism. The group discusses the current para rowing categories (PR1, PR2, PR3) which focus primarily on physical disabilities, and explores how to make rowing more inclusive for neurodivergent athletes through local regattas and international expansion. They also address the challenges coaches face working with neurodivergent athletes, including communication differences and the importance of creating supportive environments. The conversation concludes with plans for future collaboration on social media and the possibility of creating educational resources for coaches about working with neurodivergent athletes.

Want to learn more about our guests:

Johanna Knight- johanna.knight.jk@gmail.com, @theparacoxswain on socials

Alexandra Walsh- alexandrawalsh2828@gmail.com

Brian Marcais- coachbrianmarcais@gmail.com

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