Sir Steve Redgrave, 62, suffering 30-year health battle causing ‘problems’ with ITV Dancing on Ice preparation
Former Olympian Sir Steve Redgrave has opened up on his longstanding health issues that will add another layer of challenge to his Dancing on Ice journey, ahead of the new series.
The 62-year-old retired rower won gold medals at five consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000 as well as scores of other awards.
Redgrave will perform with Dancing on Ice veteran pro Vicky Ogden, 40, for the upcoming series.
Explaining why he chose to take part, the 62-year-old explained that his passions were lit when appearing on the show last year to celebrate the 40th anniversary of skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s Sarajevo Olympics triumph.
Thinking ahead to his own routines on the ice, he said simply: “I love my winter sports and it would be a nice skill to have.”
Now that he’s caught the bug, Redgrave also told ITV that being able to “call myself a skater” would be an “excellent place to get to”.
He explained that he had “done a little bit of skating” in the past as part of his sporting career but was never quite cracked the art.
“I could get around the rink alright and in relatively good speed but I couldn’t call myself a skater. I suppose that’s the challenge to me,” Redgrave said.
The 62-year-old admitted it would not be an easy task as: “I’m starting from a very low level, probably lower than everybody else due to my age.”
Redgrave’s greatest concern is how his long-term health conditions will hamper his performances.
“I’ve been diabetic for almost 30 years so the sensation in my feet isn’t as good as what it used to be so navigating my footing on the ice could be a problem,” he admitted.
Redgrave added: “I also have dupuytren’s contracture which affects my hands meaning I can’t make them flat.”
The former Olympian explained that his condition added an extra layer of anxiety to the risk of injury on the ice.
“If I do fall over, although I’m planning not to, it means I may have trouble getting up,” he explained.
Despite trepidation about his health, Regrave said that he was looking foward to having his family come to cheer him on.
“They’re all keen to come along but they all want tickets for show one, I don’t think any of them are holding much hope for show nine,” the 62-year-old quipped.
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Beyond his self-deprecating doubts about his success on the show, Redgrave said he was particularly excited to enjoy his new skills at home.
“I’ve done skating with my children when they were younger and I’m now at the stage where I’m a grandfather so to be able to take them out on the ice will be amazing,” the retired rower touchingly revealed.
Ahead of the show’s debut, Redgrave posted a picture of he and Ogden on the ice on his Instagram with a message to this performing.
“All getting very real now. Exciting times ahead! Good luck to all skating this Sunday.”