Fiona Shorten

Current or Previous Roles: Neurodiverse cyclist and ultra-endurance athlete

Keynote: Fiona Shorten is a neurodiverse ultra-endurance cyclist dedicated to raising awareness of autism in women and advocating for inclusivity in sport. Diagnosed with autism in her mid-30s after years of misdiagnosis, she found clarity, confidence, and freedom through cycling. Endurance riding has become her place of peace, free from social expectations, where she has discovered personal growth, community, and connection. Fiona continues to share her journey, proving that neurodivergent individuals can thrive in endurance sports, breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions of what it means to be an athlete.

Fiona Shorten’s Bio

Fiona is a neurodiverse cyclist and ultra-endurance athlete passionate about raising awareness of autism in women and sharing how cycling transformed her life. Only discovering she was autistic in her mid-30s, this late diagnosis brought a profound sense of clarity. After years of being on medication due to a misdiagnosis, she was able to stop all medications by the end of 2023, thanks in part to the positive impact of cycling and better self-understanding. She has since completed ultra-cycling races and long-distance bikepacking adventures, finding a deep sense of freedom and confidence through endurance cycling. The bike has become her place of peace—a space free from masking and social expectations—where she’s not only found personal growth but also a sense of community and connection. Fiona continues to use her platform to share her experiences with cycling and autism, aiming to inspire others and promote inclusivity within the sport. She is dedicated to showing that neurodivergent individuals can thrive in endurance sports while breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions of what it means to be an athlete.

She has competed in major long-distance events, including UBS 2024 (790km, 14,000m elevation), where she was the first woman to finish, and VIA 2024 (4,000km), covering 3,100km. One of her proudest achievements is her remarkable progress in ultra-cycling, improving her UBS performance from finishing last within the time limit in 2023 to completing the event nearly eight hours faster in 2024 while feeling stronger. Looking ahead, Fiona is set to take on Race Across Spain (1,000km), VIA Chapter II (4,000km), and UBS 2025 (1,000km), alongside shorter events such as M2L in June, where she will be raising money for Ambitious about Autism. Her journey highlights not only her endurance and determination but also her commitment to advocating for inclusivity in sport.

When she’s not cycling, Fiona loves spending time in nature, particularly going for walks, which has always been something she enjoys. Being outdoors helps her reset and recharge, and she especially appreciates long walks in the summer. She also has a passion for playing the piano, though she plays solely for herself. Knitting has been an on-and-off hobby over the years, but it’s something she always returns to when she needs to slow down and focus, finding it unexpectedly helpful—almost like a form of mindfulness.

Fiona’s earliest memory of cycling involves learning to ride a bike and cycling straight into a pond because she couldn’t steer or stop—though thankfully, her bike-handling skills have improved since then! When she achieves something, big or small, she makes a point of acknowledging the moment, whether that means treating herself to her favourite food or sharing the moment with those who truly understand its significance.

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