Coventry University student represents Team GB after life-changing surgery
Kirsty Van Der Poll, 25, had her leg amputated just three years ago and has now defied the odds to represent Team GB at the first-ever Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships in Slovakia
A Coventry University student, who had her leg amputated just three years ago, has defied the odds to represent Team GB.
Kirsty Van Der Poll, 25, competed at this year's inaugural Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships in Slovakia.
Just a year after taking up para ice hockey and winning the league with Sheffield Steelkings, Kirsty made her Team GB debut in a 2-1 victory over Team World, with the squad finishing fourth in the tournament overall.
Kirsty said: "It was an amazing experience, from picking up the sport recently to competing with the best in the world.
"I believe I represented GB well and made my mark. It was a great opportunity to learn from experienced players and push myself on an international stage. Missing out on a medal was gutting, but it’s made me more determined for the next championships."
Kirst continued: "I was born with a disability called Talipes, or clubfoot.
"I’d played sports my whole life, but around 17, my disability started to impair me more. I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t run or even walk. That’s when I started looking into disability sports. It was like, wow, I can actually do this."
In November 2022, Kirsty made the decision to have her right leg amputated below the knee, ending her athletics career but opening the door to wheelchair basketball. She quickly joined both her undergraduate university team and the Women’s Premier League.
Soon after, a para ice hockey campaign caught her eye, Kirsty said: "I messaged the Sheffield Steelkings, went to a session, and loved it. I haven’t looked back.
"It’s a full-contact sport with high energy and a fast pace - it really suits me."
Kirsty is now pursuing both sports professionally, with her sights set on the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles: "I’ve always had the mindset to say yes to opportunities.
"The Paralympics is a long way off, so for me it’s about consistency - refining my skills, improving as an athlete, and building good habits.
"My advice for others is, go for it. Shoot your shot. Try different sports and believe in yourself. You never know what opportunities might come of it."