Sir Steve Redgrave has revealed that he has to avoid falling on one particular part of his body when he appears on Dancing on Ice, or face “unbearable” pain.
Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve, who suffers from both arthritis and diabetes, opened up in a recent interview about his “biggest fear” when he takes to the ice on the popular ITV show.
The 6ft 5in rower has partnered up with pro-skater Vicky Ogden, whom Steve dubbed “fantastic” and admitted that she can keep him upright, despite being one of the “smallest skaters” on the show.
However, it would appear that the notion of falling particularly bothers Steve due to his health conditions. In fact, he suggested that he will find it difficult to get back up off the ice as he can’t place his hands down flat.
The 6ft 5in rower has partnered up with pro-skater Vicky Ogden
(Image: Getty Images for Laureus)
Steve told the Sun: “My biggest fear was that if I fall over, how I will use my hands to get me back up as I can’t close one hand and can’t straighten either of them because of my diabetes, so I can’t put my hands down flat.
“I thought somebody may have to come out and haul me back up to finish a routine, but fortunately I can get back up on my own. And I’ve got a frozen shoulder!”
He added that he will try not to fall on his shoulder “whatever happens”, as the pain he will experience will be “unbearable”, adding that when he falls, he can do a “very good roll”.
Steve also suffers from a condition known as Dupuytren’s contracture, a health condition that stops him from being able to flatten his hands, reports the Mirror.
It would appear that the notion of falling particularly bothers Steve
(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
He previously explained that he’d been diabetic for nearly thirty years so the sensation in his feet “isn’t as good as it used to be”, explaining that he could have issues directing his feet over the ice.
Sir Steve admitted: “My knees and shoulders are shot. I’ve got arthritis. You name it, I’ve got it.”
According to the NHS, Dupuytren’s contracture is an incurable condition that sees one or more fingers bending towards an individual’s palm, and although it’s not often painful, it can impact how a person uses their hand.
However, it would appear that Sir Steve continues longing for competition, as he also previously revealed that to brand himself a skater that can complete “crossovers both forwards and backwards” would be an “excellent place to get to”.
Dancing on Ice returns for its 18th season on ITV1 and ITVX on Sunday, January 12.