Stef Reid

Biography

Stef Reid 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. Stef has an honours degree in biochemistry, and away from the track works as a professional speaker, media broadcaster, executive coach, actor, and fashion model. She competed in the Tokyo Paralympics and took part in Dancing on Ice, making it to the quarter finals and showing the world you can learn to skate with an artificial foot.

Stef was born in New Zealand to a Scottish father and English mother, grew up in Toronto, and moved to Dallas, Texas with her Canadian husband before settling back in the UK. Her talent and passion for sport were spotted early. At twelve she was already dreaming of playing rugby on the world stage. But at fifteen, Stef was involved in a boating accident and suffered severe propeller lacerations. Her life was saved but her right foot was damaged beyond repair and amputated.

Stef’s focus shifted from sports to her studies, and she graduated as valedictorian earning a full academic scholarship to Queen’s University in Canada to study biochemistry. While at Queen’s, Stef joined the university athletics team to see how fast she could still run. Upon graduation, she put her plans of medical school on hold and decided to give her childhood dream of being a professional athlete one last chance. After a glittering eighteen-year Paralympic career, Stef announced her retirement from elite sport and is enjoying the challenge of a new adventure.

In her speeches Stef inspires and challenges audiences through her messages of resilience, perseverance, and adopting a growth mindset.