Strictly sensational for Lauren

GOLDEN girl Lauren Steadman said competing in Strictly Come Dancing in 2018 had improved her triathlon performance.

She said: ‘Everyone thinks doing things like Strictly are a distraction and away from the world of sport but they are also once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Doing Strictly made me quicker on my feet – my running improved.’

Miss Steadman, 28, of Peterborough,

Cambridgeshire, who was born without a right forearm, hailed her victory as a ‘massive redemption’ after an error cost her gold in Rio in 2016.

She added: ‘I was determined to just enjoy this, regardless of whether I got a medal or not.’

Meanwhile, table tennis player Will Bayley, 33, pictured, took silver after being unable to play for more than a year after damaging a knee ligament while on Strictly in 2019. But he said he had ‘no regrets’ about going on the show since it had helped to boost the profile of his sport.