CLARE Gratrix, from Worcester, won gold competing at her first World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships in Gainesville, Florida.
The Worcester Athletic Club member won gold in the high jump event.
The 47-year-old, who is autistic, became British masters W45 high jump champion in February.
She is also a Forward Thinking Birmingham autism peer support worker and backed up her national triumph with victory on the world stage.
Gratrix said: “It was overwhelming at times, being autistic, travelling alone, the lighting in the arena was very bright and it was a very loud and echoey environment.
“With the assistance and support of my teammates, I managed to overcome these sensory challenges.
“It was shocking to come first, in a very tactical competition, that involved holding my nerve and getting a personal best height of 1.40m.
“I am never able to clear my head and intrusive thoughts such as song lyrics often pop in at inappropriate times, a bit like Dan Ackroyd’s character Ray in the film Ghostbusters, when he thinks of The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man.
“Before each of my jumps, the song ‘Baby Shark’ kept popping in my head which was really annoying.
“I never expected to be world champion, but I wanted to share this.
“People often see negative traits in autistic people and our strengths often get overlooked.
“My persistence and following technique instructions has enabled me to develop as a high jumper, even at my age.”
The World Masters Indoor Athletics Championships is a track and field competition for athletes aged 35 and older.
Gratrix returned to athletics in 2021 after hanging up her spikes when she left school 25 years previously.
She decided to train again for the high jump in masters athletics to give her a focus outside of caring for her daughter, who also has additional needs.
Her manager at Forward Thinking Birmingham, Sandev Panaser added: “Clare’s achievement as British high jump champion is nothing short of phenomenal.
“Her dedication, resilience, and focus are qualities we see every day in her role as an autism peer support worker, have clearly translated onto the world stage.
“Representing the UK and winning in Florida is a huge accomplishment, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
