A RUNCORN ice skater who won a gold medal in the Special Olympics Pre-Games in Austria is celebrating more success.

Stephanie Gott claimed seven medals at the 2016 Inclusive Skating competition in Glasgow.

The 18-year-old with special needs was awarded a gold medal for her pairs skate with dancing partner Geraint Lewis and five gold medals and a silver for her solo performances.

The Riverside College student has just been selected to represent the UK again at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria next year. She will join 3,000 athletes from 110 nations to compete in nine Olympic-type winter sports.

“She has done amazingly well,” said her sister Suzanne McDonnell, 30.

“Steph is absolutely incredible.

She was made up to win so many medals. We are so proud of her.”

Former Ashley School pupil Stephanie, from the Grange, was born with a congenital heart condition and had surgery to ‘swap’ her main arteries when she was just 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 has left her with a weak right arm and leg.

“It took her ages to learn to walk,” said Suzanne.

“She was always falling over and stumbling.

“It is just incredible that from a clumsy little girl she is now skating on two thin pieces of metal. It has given Stephanie lots of confidence.”

Stephanie’s parents Brenda and Mark and her family hope to fly to Graz to watch her compete next year.

Her tutor Pamela Richardson Delaney, who coaches her at Deeside Leisure Centre, will also be able to see her perform as she has been selected as a coach for the event.

“She is so beautiful to watch on the ice rink,” added Suzanne.

“She is so elegant and graceful.

“She just amazes me every time I see her.”