Paralympian Lauren Steadman has been revealed as the 13th celebrity to sign up for this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Lauren, 25, who won silver in the paratriathion at the 2016 Rio Games, follows sprinter Jonnie Peacock on to the dance floor. She was born without her lower right arm and has also competed in swimming events.
“I still don’t think it has properly sunk in that I’m actually going to be part of this year’s show,” she said, adding,”I have loved the show since I was young, and it’s a huge tick off my bucket list.
I’m more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathion Grand Final in September.”
Although she does not have any formal dance training, Miss Steadman has said previously that she has tried salsa dancing as a way to kickstart her training when she needs something completely different.
“Having one arm,” she said, “comes with preconceived judgements and for me physical activity became an avenue for me to prove to myself and those around me. Yes, I’m missing an arm but I am just as capable as you are, and the thought of failing at any task eats away at me inside.”
But she says she’s up for the challenge and states, “I’m excited to swap my triathion kit for the dancing shoes and sequins.”