In an emotional and inspiring moment at the recent Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, Stephanie Gott, a figure skater representing Team Special Olympics Great Britain (Team SOGB) from Runcorn, was reunited with Dr. Marco Pozzi, the Italian surgeon who performed life-saving open-heart surgery on her as a baby.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Stephanie underwent critical surgery as a newborn at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. Here Dr. Pozzi's expertise and dedication was pivotal in her survival and subsequent journey to health.
The surprise reunion took place at the Palatazzoli ice rink in Turin, shortly after Stephanie was presented with her silver medal, won in the Figure Skating pairs competition alongside fellow athlete Oliver Snook from Gosport.
“I have been telling people about Dr Pozzi for many years, so to be able to meet him, just as I came off the ice at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, is a dream come true,” said Stephanie. “I couldn’t stop thanking him as I would not be here today without his work.
“He repaired my heart as a baby and ice skating has helped keep it healthy throughout my life. Ice Skating has changed my life and allowed me to compete here in Italy and personally meet and thank the man who saved my life in his home country. I will keep so many special memories of this day, and week in Turin, with me for the rest of my life.”
Stephanie's journey into figure skating began at the age of 14, following experiences of bullying due to her differences. A skating lesson as a birthday present, from her sister, ignited a passion that led her to embrace the sport wholeheartedly.
Despite the challenges posed by her early medical history, including surviving a stroke, Stephanie's dedication to figure skating has been unwavering. Now 27, she has transformed her early health challenges into a testament of resilience and passion, culminating in her winning a silver medal, in the pairs, and a bronze medal in her individual performance at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, held from March 8 to 15, brought together over 1,500 athletes from more than 100 countries, competing across eight sports. Stephanie was on of 10 athletes with an intellectual (learning) disability to represent Team SOGB, with eight of the athletes competing in the Alpine Skiing competitions in the world-renowned resort of Sestriere.
Special Olympics GB is a registered charity that uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability. To donate or fundraise for the charity, please click here.