Ullrich Muller

BIOGRAPHY

Brisbane teenager sprinter Ullrich Muller has made significant progress in 2025 to earn his debut selection in the Australian team for the World Para Athletics Championships to be held in India.

Ullrich, a T38 classification athlete, opened his season running 56.29 in the 400m. By Nationals he was down to a very impressive 52.77, breaking a 24-year-old Australian U20 record. In the 100m he clocked a wind legal best of 11.71 and two very quicky windy times of 11.59 and 11.44. His 200m best is 23.01.

Coached by Ian Thompson, Ullrich’s journey in athletics started later than most.

“I’ve always had a passion for athletics and loved participating in school carnivals,” said Ullrich. “In 2021 (when he was aged 15), the school athletics coach noticed my potential and invited me to join his training squad. I always competed in the able-bodied events, even though my coach encouraged me to consider para-athletics.”

His interest in Para-sport was sparked only last year.

“It was only watching the 2024 Paralympics that I decided to explored para-athletics. I received my National classification in October 2024 and my International classification in January 2025.”

He has enjoyed getting to know the athletes in the para community.

“I am very new in my career, but it was great to meet the other athletes (at camps) and make new friends with the other para athletes.”

He spoken candidly about his challenging health journey.

“In 2013, at the age of six, I suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm caused by an Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM). I had four brain surgeries, had to relearn how to walk, talk, and swallow. In late 2022, recurring headaches revealed that the AVM had regrown. I received Gamma Knife Radiation treatment in February 2024, while complete Year 12. As a result of the acquired brain injury, I have right-sided weakness and ataxia, which affect my coordination, balance and muscle strength.”

Biggest challenge in athletics: competing against friends who don’t fully understand the challenges of my impairment…Hero: Wayde van Niekerk, the current world record holder in the 400m. It’s incredible how he’s able to maintain such unbelievable speed throughout the entire race. Brisbane sprinters Lachlan Kennedy and Gout Gout have also been very influential in my journey, and they inspire me to push my own limits. They often appear at local competitions, and it’s amazing to have the opportunity to compete alongside them…Athletics goal: Represent Australia at the Paralympics…Education:  full time student Bachelor of Information Systems at Queensland University of Technology (2025- )

@ 20 September 2025 david.tarbotton@athletics.org.au