Redefining Possibilities, Defying Limits, Inspiring Others
When Adrienne Bunn was four years old and still wasn't talking – she and her parents, June and Bob, spent countless hours and days visiting doctors, to eventually learn that she has autism.
That diagnosis was followed by more doctors, being on and off medication, and struggling in school.
What followed was a childhood of navigating medication trials, school struggles, and constant doubt from outsiders who questioned whether she’d ever talk, take regular school classes, play sports, graduate, or even drive.
But Adrienne—and her family—refused to be defined by those doubts.
Beyond Labels, Beyond Limits
Now 19 years old, Adrienne Bunn's autism is the least interesting thing about her. She's a triathlete, marathoner, freshman at the College of Central Florida, collegiate cross country runner, history buff, fan of cruising around in her new car, friendship bracelet aficionado, daughter, sister, friend, and one of the sweetest people you'll ever meet. And while she's a competitive racer with grit and determination, her number one goal in her athletic journey is to inspire.
Finding Strength Through Sports
Adrienne’s athletic journey began with Special Olympics Therapeutic Horseback Riding before she became the only female in the organization’s triathlon pilot program. In school, a gym teacher encouraged her to run circuits in the parking lot—a seemingly simple task that became a pivotal moment in her life. Running transformed her world, leading her to embrace cycling and swimming, and ultimately, triathlons.
Training wasn’t always easy. Her autism presented challenges with pacing, hydration, fueling, and navigating large groups on open roads—especially with loud noises like sirens and motorcycles, one of her biggest triggers. But being surrounded by experienced athletes pushed her to ride longer, run faster, and believe in herself.
For the first time, she wasn’t seen as an athlete with autism—just an athlete.
Breaking Records and Barriers
In October 2023, Adrienne Bunn made history at the IRONMAN World Championship race in Kona, HI, finishing in 12:41:18 and placing first in the disability category. She became the youngest known female with autism—and the youngest known female—to complete the race.
Bunn was guided by her longtime coach and guide, Doug Guthrie of GU3 Training.
She followed that performance with:
🏅 Her NYC Marathon debut as part of NYRR Team Inspire.
🏅 The 2024 Atlanta Marathon, where she was honored as Runner 321, running with coach and guide Doug Guthrie.
🏅 Strong performances at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga and IRONMAN 70.3 Louisville in 2024, with coach and guide Doug Guthrie.
🏅 A second appearance at the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice, where she competed again in the disability category but took her first DNF after completing the bike portion, with coach and guide Doug Guthrie.
🏅 Completing the 2024 Berlin Marathon with Raymond Braun on behalf of Westin and Abbott.
Looking Forward
Adrienne isn’t slowing down. In 2025, she will return to IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga and once again take on the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona.
Neurodiversity and invisible disabilities in sports often get overlooked as they are not visible. Bunn is changing the game – showing precisely what neurodiversity in athletics looks like and inspiring others in the neurodivergent community to pursue a sport or activity they never thought possible.
