Strictly star wins a gold medal Down Under

Steadman was one of three British Para-triathletes to win gold at the ITU World Championships on the Gold Coas.

The 25-year-old, who is appearing on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, beat team-mate Claire Cashmore to win the PTS5 category, with Paralympic champion Grace Norman in third.

It was a superb bike ride from Steadman that saw her take charge of the race, putting her in a commanding position heading onto the 5km run. Cashmore was unable to close the gap and Norman ran out of course just as she was threatening to catch her rival.

Steadman said; “I wasn’t expecting to win, but I knew I would try my best and it was enough. I kind of planned to make the bike leg my strongest but I didn’t get as far away as I wanted to, but then I found my legs on the run so I was really happy. There is still more to come and I have more technique work to do but I’m really chuffed and just want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me get here.”

Steadman’s Strictly co-stars were quick to add their congratulations. Pop star Lee Ryan said: “Congratulations to an absolute legend.”

It’s a first world title for Steadman who hails from Sawtry, but now lives in Portsmouth. She has a competed at three Paralympics, two as a swimmer and one as a triathlete. She won a silver medal at Rio in 2016,

She is a former winner at the Peterborough Telegraph Sports Awards.

Strictly Come Dancing starts in earnest on Saturday on BBC One (September 22).