Stef Reid MBE PLY is a British Paralympic long jumper and sprinter. She is a World Champion, four-time Paralympian, triple Paralympic medallist, and five-time world record holder.
Beyond athletics, Stef holds a degree in biochemistry. Her journey off the track has been just as remarkable. She has acted, modelled—including becoming the first amputee to walk the London Fashion Week catwalk—and taken on several leadership roles. In fact, she currently serves as Vice President of both The Leprosy Mission UK and British Athletics.
In addition, Stef supports numerous causes. She is a trustee for the Women’s Sport Trust and an ambassador for the London Air Ambulance Charity and British Ice Skating. Her commitment to service and visibility is unwavering.
In 2022, Stef stepped into the spotlight again—this time on national TV. She starred in Dancing On Ice and reached the quarter finals. Along the way, she proved to millions that it’s possible to learn to skate with an artificial foot. Looking ahead, you’ll also find her on BBC Two’s Pilgrimage: The Road Through the Alps, airing in April 2025.
Stef’s global background has shaped her unique outlook. She was born in New Zealand to a Scottish father and English mother, raised in Toronto, and later moved to Dallas, Texas, with her Canadian husband. Eventually, she returned to the UK in 2010.
From a young age, Stef had big dreams. At 12, she already aspired to play rugby internationally. However, everything changed at 15. A devastating boating accident left her with life-threatening injuries. While doctors saved her life, they couldn’t save her right foot. It had to be amputated.
Despite this life-altering event, Stef didn’t give up. Instead, she turned her focus to academics. She graduated as valedictorian and earned a full academic scholarship to Queen’s University in Canada, where she studied biochemistry. While there, she joined the university athletics team—just to see how fast she could still run.
That decision changed everything. Inspired by her performance, Stef put her plans for medical school on hold. She decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a professional athlete one last time.
Ultimately, her bold choice led to an extraordinary career. After 18 glittering years in elite sport, Stef retired in June 2022.
Today, she continues to inspire others. As a motivational speaker, broadcaster, and high-performance coach, Stef brings energy, wisdom, and courage to every stage she steps on. And no matter what comes next, she’s always ready for the next adventure.
