Follow Sylvie’s Shark Triathlon challenge to raise money for shark conservation, and discover how one passionate young, autistic girl is changing the tide for misunderstood predators.
Autism and Sharks: Both Often Misunderstood, But Still Amazing
“I’m twelve years old, and I am home-schooled. I live in England with my mum, dad, and our very, very, very crazy dog, Maggie. I’m also autistic. People sometimes don’t understand autism, just like they don’t understand sharks. But that doesn’t mean we’re scary. It just means we’re different, and being different can actually be amazing.
And I absolutely love sharks.”
Sylvie’s Shark Triathlon: How a Dream Sparked Her Passion for Sharks
“I first got into sharks when I was around ten years old. A random dream about a magical great white shark named Benji hooked me instantly. From that moment, sharks fascinated me, and I’ve poured my passion into shark conservation ever since.”
Being autistic helps me see the world in a unique way. I can focus deeply on the things I care about — like sharks — and that makes my passion even stronger.
Sharks are vital to our oceans. They’re powerful, beautiful, and sadly, very misunderstood. Just like me, they deserve understanding and respect.”
Sylvie’s Shark Triathlon for Conservation
“To help raise awareness and money for Shark Angels, I’m doing a triathlon over three days:
- 500m swim in a local pool (because I don’t live near the ocean!)
- 10k cycle through the beautiful Forest of Dean
- 3k run on the green spaces of Bristol Downs
Dates: September 28th, 29th, and 30th
This is a big challenge for me, especially the cycling and running, but I’m determined to do it for the sharks!”
Why Sharks Need Our Help
Sharks are in real danger. They’re often victims of:
- Shark finning (where they are killed just for their fins)
- Bycatch (caught accidentally in nets)
- Protective nets (that do more harm than good)
Despite what movies say, sharks don’t want to eat people. Most of the time, they’re not even interested in us. They only bite if they feel threatened or confused. They’re not monsters; they’re crucial apex predators that help keep the ocean healthy.”
How You Can Support Sylvie’s Shark Triathlon
“You can help by:
- Following my training journey
- Donating to my fundraiser on the Shark Angels website here.
- Sharing my story with others to spread awareness
Thank you so much for your support. Together, we can protect these amazing creatures! — Sylvie”