Queensland’s Ullrich Muller has been named Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month for October, following a breakout debut at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in India.
The 19-year-old sprinter’s rapid rise through para-athletics has been nothing short of remarkable. Muller went from receiving his international classification in January to representing Australia on the world stage just months later.
“It’s honestly surreal,” Muller said.
“To be acknowledged alongside athletes like Gout Gout and Leah O’Brien — whom I’ve looked up to — is incredibly humbling. It feels like I’ve been launched into a whole new level, and I’m so grateful to share this moment with my family and friends.”
Sport has always been a part of Muller’s life, but athletics wasn’t always the focus.
“I’ve always been active through school athletics, soccer, and touch football,” he recalled.
That changed in 2021 when his school coach, Vince di Dato, invited him to join his athletics squad.
“I started focusing on athletics and really enjoyed training. I always competed in able-bodied events, even though my coach encouraged me to consider para-athletics.”
After suffering a rupturing stroke caused by an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2013, Muller underwent extensive rehabilitation. Running and sports were initially part of his rehab, but naturally progressed into dedicated athletic training.
“I never saw myself as any different,” he said.
“That mindset pushed me to work harder to keep up with able-bodied athletes. I genuinely believed I could do everything those around me could do, and that belief has shaped how I approach both sport and life.”
The turning point came during Year 12, when Muller watched the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and felt inspired to pursue para-athletics.
“Competing with able-bodied athletes gave me a strong foundation and helped me transition into para-athletics. Receiving my classification opened a whole new world of opportunity for me.”
That opportunity led to his first World Championships appearance, where Muller broke two Australian Under 20 records in the T38 100m and T38 400m, both previously held by two-time Commonwealth Games champion and five-time Paralympic champion Evan O’Hanlon.
“The biggest highlight was the support from my teammates,” he said. “Hearing them cheer me on was unforgettable. Breaking those records on debut made it even more special.”
For Muller, sprinting is more than competition.
“Sprinting feels like freedom. In that moment, nothing weighs you down – it’s just you and the track.”
He also carries advice from teammate James Turner: “It’s only a good 400m if it hurts.”
“It made me laugh at the time, but it stuck with me,” Muller said.
“That pain is proof you’ve given it everything.”
Looking ahead, Muller is determined to keep building on his success.
“My goal is to break the Australian Open records of Evan O’Hanlon in the 100m, 200m, and 400m,” he said.
“And I’m working towards selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.”
Muller credits his family, coaches and mentors for shaping his journey so far.
“My parents have been my greatest supporters from the beginning,” he said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the staff at Athletics Australia, especially Steve Caddy and Jess Williams, and to James Turner and Jaydon Page for welcoming me into the squad and being such great mentors.”
From rehab to records, Muller’s journey is one of resilience, belief and possibility and he continues to rise, one stride at a time.
By Renae Jones, Commonwealth Games Australia
Posted 9/11/2025
