Kirsty Van der Poll is no stranger to breaking boundaries. From Para-athletics and wheelchair basketball to surfing – and now Para-ice hockey – the 24-year-old has embraced every sporting challenge thrown her way.

A Journey of Resilience and Adaptation

Van der Poll's journey began on the track, where she initially struggled in able-bodied sports due to her disability, talipes, commonly known as clubfoot. This condition affects the lower limb, where some tendons in the Achilles tendon and foot do not form properly. Her introduction to Para-athletics was a turning point, leading her to captain Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the 2019 World Para-athletics Junior Championships, where she claimed two silver medals.

A Life-Changing Decision

At Loughborough University, Van der Poll faced new challenges as she experienced increasing pain in her leg. This led to the life-altering decision to have it amputated in 2022. "Deciding to have your leg amputated is never an easy decision," she said. "But I thought, well, if I can't stand up and walk around anyway, what's the worst that can happen?"

Embracing New Challenges

Post-amputation, Van der Poll re-learned to surf during a holiday to South Africa and Australia, competing at the 2023 ISA World Para-surfing Championships in California. However, with limited opportunities to surf in the Midlands, she sought a new challenge and took up ice hockey.

Making History in Para-ice Hockey

Van der Poll is now set to make history as part of Great Britain's team at the inaugural Para-ice Hockey Women's World Championships in Slovakia. "It's very different from the sunny, sandy beaches to a very cold ice rink, but ice hockey has been something that's been on my radar for a while," she said.

A Milestone for Women's Sports

The six-team tournament, featuring the USA, Australia, Canada, Norway, and a Team World, represents a significant milestone in the development of women's Para-ice hockey. Great Britain will face Canada and Team World in Group B, with the group winners advancing to the semi-finals.

A Story of Resilience and Opportunity

Van der Poll's story is one of resilience, patience, and a desire to seize every opportunity. "It feels really important to show people what can be done," she said. "I'm a big advocate for getting stuck in and doing whatever you can to get involved in sport."