Paralympian Stef Reid has shared the harrowing details of a horrific boating accident that led to the loss of her foot nearly 24 years ago. In a candid revelation, Stef reflected on the traumatic incident that almost claimed her life, stemming from a miscommunication while tubing with friends, leaving her caught in a boat’s propellers.
Describing the terrifying moment when she realised the boat was rapidly approaching, Stef recalled how she quickly switched into survival mode, attempting to dive below the surface to avoid the propellers. Unfortunately, despite her efforts, she became entangled in the propellers and faced a critical situation with severe injuries. Surgeons performed a specialised procedure to save her life, but her right foot had to be amputated as a result.
Despite the traumatic experience, Stef went on to achieve remarkable success in both Canadian and British Paralympic teams, becoming a world champion long jumper. Following her retirement, she has continued to inspire others through speaking engagements, running a business, and working as a presenter. Now, she is preparing to release a book detailing her incredible journey, finding the process of documenting her story to be therapeutic and empowering.
By putting the events of that fateful day into words, Stef felt a newfound sense of ownership over her narrative and was able to come to terms with the trauma she had endured. Her husband, Brent Lakatos, was shocked to learn new details from the book, reinforcing the weight of carrying such a significant experience alone.
The release of Stef’s book coincides with a documentary by Channel 4, “Path to Paris: Paralympic Dreams,” which follows the journeys of British athletes as they prepare for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Through these media projects, the resilience and determination of athletes like Stef Reid are highlighted, demonstrating the essential role of support from initiatives like the National Lottery in enabling their pursuit of excellence.