A RUNCORN ice skater with special needs is flying to Austria after being selected to join the GB Special Olympic team.

Stephanie Gott, 18, is one of only two British skaters competing in the Pre-Games, a forerunner to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017.

Her parents, Brenda and Mark will watch her perform in Graz.

The four day event will see more than 1,000 athletes from 22 nations competing for a place at next year’s prestigious event.

Stephanie, from the Grange, was born with a congenital heart condition and had surgery to ‘swap’ her two main arteries when she was only 18 days old.

It was only when she started school that it was discovered she had also had a stroke when she was a baby.

This left her with a weak right arm and leg.

Yet, she has astonished everyone with her dexterity and determination after ITV’s Dancing On Ice inspired her to start skating four years ago.

Her sister, Suzanne McDonnell, 30, who will be cheering her in Austria, said: “It is pretty amazing considering the problems she had when she was younger.

“She was really clumsy and used to fall and stumble a lot.

“She is incredible to watch on the ice. She absolutely loves it.”

Former Ashley pupil, Stephanie now studies at Riverside College and is gaining work experience at a hair salon in Runcorn.

After winning all her sections at an inclusive skating competition in Glasgow in April, she was chosen to represent her country.

Her tutor at Deeside Leisure Centre, Pamela Richardson Delaney said: “She has done amazingly well and achieved more because of her disability.

“It has helped strengthen her legs. She was quite wobbly when she first started.”

Stephanie had to memorise an intricate two minute free skating routine and will travel as part of the Olympic squad.

“It is an amazing opportunity,” added Pamela.

“Hopefully she will be chosen for the Special Olympics in 2017.

“I am extremely proud of her. She is a lovely girl.”