Dame Sarah Storey attending rehab ‘like a crazy woman’ as she attempts to recover from Dancing on Ice ankle injury
Dame Sarah Storey appeared at the 2024 Sports Personality of the Year Awards in Salford last night, arriving on crutches following a recent ankle injury and admitted she was doing everything she could to get back to full health.
The decorated Paralympian, 47, was forced to withdraw from the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals.
The injury occurred during an “awkward stumble and fall” where her left foot became stuck on the ice during training.
The athlete received immediate medical attention, with the show’s Head of Medical ensuring she was quickly seen by a top surgeon.
Storey later announced her withdrawal from Dancing On Ice, just weeks before the 2025 show launch.
She had been partnered with professional skater Sylvain Longchambon and expressed her disappointment at having to leave.
“Absolutely gutted to have my Dancing on Ice training interrupted in this way – just as my first routine with Sylvain was really coming together,” she shared.
Her place on the show had only been confirmed during an appearance on Lorraine in October, where she had expressed excitement about learning a new skill.
Despite the setback, Storey remains optimistic about her recovery and return to cycling.
“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,” she said.
The surgeon noted her strong bones, suggesting the injury could have been worse.
Storey, who won her 19th gold medal in the C4-5 road race in Paris in September, is now focused on regaining full power for the next cycling season.
Speaking at the awards ceremony – which aired last night – she discussed her ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts following the incident that occurred during training for the ITV show.
In conversation with host Claire Balding, Storey explained the circumstances of her injury.
“I’m not used to being this slow,” Storey said when asked about her cautious approach on crutches. “I was training to do some ice skating and I tripped a bit and I broke my ankle.”
When questioned about her return to cycling, Storey remained uncertain about the timeline.
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“Not sure, I did it two weeks ago and got the pot taken off yesterday,” she told Balding during the ceremony.
The Paralympic champion revealed she is now “doing rehab like a crazy woman” in an effort to speed up her recovery.
Having only had her cast removed the day before the awards ceremony, Storey is already focused on intensive rehabilitation.