Breaking barriers: Sam Holness and his trailblazing path to Kona

Sam Holness is the first openly autistic athlete to compete at the IRONMAN World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. He is coached by his father Tony. Sam has been training for up to 24 hours a week. His training methods have been recognised by some of the leading brands in the sport of triathlon. He has the backing of a number of sponsors, including Hoka running shoes, Cervelo bicycles, Stages Cycling and British brands HUUB wetsuits and clothing and SunGod sunglasses. The support of these brands and his parents and coach Tony could be the perfect combination for Sam as he tries to realise his dream of becoming the world's first professional triathlete with autism.

Tony and Marilyn are the parents of Sam Holness, who has autism. Tony and Sam are a father-son team competing in Kona on Saturday. Tony doesn't have a background in coaching, but he draws inspiration from the success of other father and son teams. Sam Laidlow is a professional triathlete who believes his father is the best coach for him. He will also be competing on the same team.