A RUNCORN ice skater who struggled to learn to walk has been selected to compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria next year.

Steph Gott is one of only 10 figure skaters and 11 alpine skiers with learning disabilities chosen to represent the UK.

The 19-year-old will join 1,600 athletes from 63 nations next March.

“I am excited,” said the Riverside College student.

“It is a special honour.

“I am training five days a week and learning new routines.

“My dad chose my music, Chariots of Fire.

“I enjoy it because I feel as if I have achieved something.”

Steph, 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.

Despite suffering a stroke when she was a baby which left her with a weak right arm and leg, she has astonished everyone with her dexterity and determination on the ice.

The former Ashley School pupil won six gold medals and a silver at the Inclusive Skating competition in Glasgow last year and a gold medal at the Pre-Games, a forerunner to next year’s event.

Her sister Suzanne McDonnell, 30, said: “She is really elegant on the ice, it is beautiful to watch.

“It is incredible considering the problems she had. It took her ages to learn to walk. She was really clumsy and used to fall and stumble.

“She has come on so much. Skating seems to have relit this fire, this passion inside her.

“It makes her really happy and feel like she is worth something.

“She is amazing.”

Halton MP Derek Twigg was overwhelmed by Stephanie’s achievements when he met her at a Special Olympics event in Widnes on Friday.

“The work and obstacles she has got over is absolutely incredible," he said.

“When you see her skating it is total perfection. You wouldn’t know she had these challenges in her life.

“The whole borough should be proud of her.

“I think her achievement is right up there with the very best of our sportsmen and women.”

Individuals or businesses wishing to support Steph to help towards her travelling and training costs can e-mail her sister at suzanne85@hotmail.com.