Star Stef Paralympic pal is my inspiration
Dancing On Ice star Stef Reid has revealed she was inspired by fellow Paralympian Libby Clegg to appear on the show.
Proud Scot Stef, 36, who has switched her running blade for a skating blade to take part in the show, loved watching friend Libby compete on the 12th series of the contest in 2020.
She said Libby, who is registered as blind and won two gold medals at the 2016
Rio Paralympics, was one of the first people to congratulate her when it was announced she was taking to the ice. She knows she can call the athlete for any tips and support.
Stef, who lost her leg aged 15 in a horror boating accident, said: “I paid a huge amount of attention to the show when Libby was on. She was amazing.
“We’ve been friends for a long time and used to train at the same place too. She called me immediately when she heard I was going to be on the show and said, ‘If you need any support, just let me know.’
“She did so well on the show. She is just totally awesome and my inspiration.”
Track and field star Stef, who has competed at the last four Paralympics, winning two silvers and one bronze medal, is starring in the new series of Dancing On Ice with pro partner Andy Buchanan.
Stef, who grew up in Canada but whose dad Philip Reid is from Sandyhills, Glasgow, is proud of her Scottish roots.
She said: “I’m really proud to fly the flag for Scotland.”
Libby, 31, who grew up in the Borders, was the first visually impaired celebrity to take part in Dancing On Ice.
Stef will tonight take to the ice as part of musicals week. She and Andy have proved to be show favourites, winning praise from the judges and audience for performances to hits including Dirty Dancing classic Time Of My Life for movies week and Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance for dance week.