Grace Tame: Activist, Autism, Nike Controversy & Life

There aren’t many people who go from being silenced by the law to becoming a national symbol of resilience in just a few years, but Grace Tame pulled it off. As the 2021 Australian of the Year, she turned a deeply personal trauma into a public campaign for survivors of child sexual abuse, rewriting Tasmania’s gag laws in the process while facing intense public scrutiny, a controversial Nike partnership, and persistent debate about whether she is autistic.

Born: 28 December 1994 ·
Awarded Australian of the Year: 2021 ·
Age at time of assault: 15 ·
Age of perpetrator: 58 ·
Ultramarathon achievement: First female in 60km race (4:43:43) ·
Published memoir: The Ninth Life (2022)

Seven key facts, one pattern: Grace Tame’s public life is an arc of recognition, backlash, and redefinition.

Who is Grace Tame and why is she famous?

Grace Tame became a household name when she accepted the 2021 Australian of the Year award, using the national stage to call for justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. Her fame, however, is rooted in a legal battle before the recognition: for years, Tasmania’s law prevented her from speaking publicly about the abuse she suffered at the hands of her 58-year-old maths teacher, who groomed and assaulted her when she was just 15 (Wikipedia). After successfully campaigning to change that gag law in 2019, she became a beacon for survivors across Australia.

What does Grace Tame do for a job?

Today, Tame works as a public speaker, author, and ultrarunner. She published her memoir, The Ninth Life, in 2022 — a raw account of her trauma and recovery — and now hosts an ABC podcast titled Autistic AF with Grace Tame, which launched in 2024 (The West Australian). Alongside these media roles, she competes in ultramarathons, setting a record as the first female in a 60km race with a time of 4:43:43.

What advocacy work does Grace Tame do?

Tame’s advocacy centres on legal reform for sexual abuse survivors, particularly removing barriers that prevent victims from speaking out. She has collaborated with organizations like the Australian Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (ACCCE) campaign “Stop the Stigma,” where she said: “I am a survivor” — a direct challenge to the culture of silence (ACCCE, Australian government-led initiative). She also campaigns on neurodivergent rights, drawing from her own experience as an autistic woman.

What disability does Grace Tame have?

Grace Tame has publicly spoken about being an autistic woman. The ABC reported in January 2023 that autism may be a risk factor for sexual abuse, but that Tame finds the condition empowering (ABC News, Australia’s national broadcaster). Her Wikipedia entry (as of 2026) notes that she had undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder at the time of the abuse. Tame herself has not disclosed any other specific disability beyond autism; the question often arises because of her candid public demeanor, which some commentators misinterpret as something else.

Is Grace Tame not autistic?

There is persistent confusion on this point. Some online speculation suggests Tame is not autistic, but multiple credible sources confirm she identifies as an autistic woman. ABC News’s 2023 feature explicitly describes her as “also autistic” — same source. Her ABC podcast, titled Autistic AF, is a direct and intentional embrace of that identity (7NEWS, Australian commercial news network).

The pattern: public figures who deviate from neurodivergent stereotypes face repeated credibility challenges regardless of documentation.

Why did Nike drop Grace Tame?

Nike ended its partnership with Grace Tame in June 2025, less than six months after the sportswear giant had appointed her as a brand ambassador in January 2025. The official reason remains opaque: Wikipedia states Nike cited concerns of antisemitism, while The New Arab reported that the company “agreed to part ways” with Tame after she shared a number of pro-Palestinian posts on social media (The New Arab, Middle East-focused independent outlet). The Australian Jewish Association claimed on Facebook that the partnership was worth roughly $100,000, though this figure is unconfirmed (Australian Jewish Association, community advocacy group).

Nike’s initial public statement did not specify the reason for contacting Tame’s team, and a later statement against discrimination and antisemitism was released without directly naming her — same source. Since 2025, Tame has attracted media attention for her criticism of Israel.

What this means: the same outspokenness that built her platform became grounds for its commercial withdrawal.

What is Grace Tame doing now?

As of 2025, Tame remains active as a campaigner, podcast host, and athlete. She continues to speak at events pushing for legal reforms on child sexual abuse, and her ABC podcast Autistic AF with Grace Tame explores diverse lived experiences among women and gender-diverse people with autism in Australia — 7NEWS. The ABC defended the podcast’s choice of host, stating that Tame is a high-profile public figure who has spoken openly about being an autistic woman — same source.

Is she still active as an ultrarunner?

Yes. Tame regularly posts about her running on social media. In one Instagram caption, she shared: “60km in 4:43:43. 1st female and 6th overall.” She has not indicated any plans to stop competing.

What is her current role as an advocate?

Tame continues to campaign for legal reforms that protect survivors of abuse, and has expanded her advocacy to include neurodivergent rights through her podcast and public appearances.

Who is Grace Tame’s ex husband?

Grace Tame was previously married to Spencer Breslin; they separated in 2022. She is now in a relationship with Max Heerey, whom she has mentioned in social media posts and interviews. The details of her marriage and separation are private, and she has not publicly commented on them in detail.

Timeline: Key events in Grace Tame’s life

• 2009–2010: Groomed and sexually assaulted by 58-year-old maths teacher at age 15.
• 2019: After Tasmania changed its gag law, Tame goes public about her abuse.
• 2021: Named Australian of the Year.
• 2022: Publishes memoir The Ninth Life.
• 2025 (January): Nike appoints Tame as brand ambassador.
• 2025 (June): Nike ends partnership over reported pro-Palestinian posts and antisemitism concerns.

“I am a survivor.”

Grace Tame, ACCCE Stop the Stigma campaign

“Tame is a high-profile public figure who has spoken openly about being an autistic woman and advocated on neurodivergent issues.”

ABC, via 7NEWS report

For Australian media and the government organizations that have backed her, Tame remains a lightning rod. The choice is clear: continue supporting her as a symbol of survivor advocacy, or distance themselves as her geopolitical commentary grows louder. For activists and survivors, the question is whether the price of speaking out — losing sponsors, facing accusations — is worth the platform it builds.

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