Dame Sarah Storey Withdraws from Dancing on Ice Due to Ankle Fracture

Dame Sarah Storey has announced she is “absolutely gutted” to be forced to withdraw from the forthcoming series of Dancing on Ice. The decision follows a fractured ankle she sustained during training. Britain’s most successful Paralympian shared on social media on Friday that an “awkward stumble and fall,” which occurred when her left foot was “stuck on the ice,” rendered her unable to participate in the ITV series, set to begin in January next year. Dame Sarah expressed gratitude to those involved with the program and the medical personnel for ensuring she is “already fixed and home with rehab underway.” She had been developing her routine alongside professional skating partner Sylvain Longchambon but will now have to watch the show from home, her leg in a cast, and using crutches. The athlete, who transitioned from swimming to cycling, secured the 18th and 19th Paralympic gold medals of her career in Paris in September, prior to commencing rehearsals on the ice rink for the show. In an Instagram post, she wrote: “Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with @slongchambon was really coming together!” She further explained, “An awkward stumble and fall with my left foot stuck on the ice sadly led to me fracturing my left ankle.” She added: “I’m so fortunate that both Sylvain and Coach @stephenpickavance were by my side and knew exactly what to do and that the medical backup for the show is truly world class.” She continued, “The Head of Medical @sharonmorrisonuk wasted no time in getting me to the very best surgeon so I’m already fixed and home with rehab underway!” The 47-year-old, who has accumulated 30 medals across nine different Paralympic Games, confirmed she is “working with the team at ITV to come up with a plan for what’s next.” She also stated her focus on returning “back to full power and of course back to my bike ahead of next season!” She wrote: “My career has seen so many ups and downs with injury and illness, plus returning after two babies, which means I’m well equipped for another comeback.” Some individuals online have already begun speculating about her potential return to the program in 2026. Dame Sarah, who was honored as a dame in the 2013 New Year Honours for her contributions to para-cycling, was the final contestant named on the show’s line-up. Other celebrities joining her included Olympic rower Sir Steve Redgrave, TV presenter Michaela Strachan, and soap stars Charlie Brooks and Sam Aston. They will be joined on the ice rink by additional participants, including former footballer Anton Ferdinand, Hollyoaks actress Chelsee Healey, and reality television personalities Mollie Pearce and Ferne McCann. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.