On International Women’s Day, FanSided recognizes Kayleigh Williamson and 19 other women who have made strides for women and people everywhere in the realm of diversity, equity and inclusion. The following is an excerpt from the FanSided article on Kayleigh:
Kayleigh Williamson is a runner, and an incredibly accomplished one. She also happens to have Down syndrome. In 2017, she became the first person with Down syndrome to finish the Austin Marathon and this year she completed the New York Marathon, one of the first women with Down syndrome to accomplish the feat. She is conquering her own challenges, making a mark in her sport and inspiring countless others along the way. - Ian Levy, Creative Editorial Director.
How they're making a difference in equity and inclusion
Kayleigh is making a powerful statement for diversity, equity and inclusion, simply by showing up and running. She finished the New York City Marathon, running the same course in the same conditions as every other runner, traveling the same 26.2 miles. Kayleigh is also representing Adidas' Runner 321 program which aims to “ensure neurodivergent people’s representation in mainstream sport” by encouraging every marathon to hold bib No. 321 for a neurodivergent athlete.
Why you should be paying attention next year
Kayleigh is working on competing in all six of the World Marathon Majors — Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Tokyo and Berlin. She's already ticked off Boston and New York and could add another one or two this year. Oh, and in between races she's competing in swimming and powerlifting competitions for Special Olympics.