Who is Lauren Steadman? Strictly star and athlete's age, career and more facts

27 October 2018, 16:13 | Updated: 16 December 2018, 18:27

Lauren Steadman won many fans after her appearance in Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, reaching the semi-finals.

Strictly Come Dancing 2018: Who's taking part?

But who is the Paralympian? Here's a handy guide about the the talented athlete:

1. Who is Lauren Steadman?

   

   Lauren Steadman a British Paralympic athlete who has competed in three Summer Paralympics, in both swimming and the paratriathlon.

   She competed at both the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, and the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London as a swimmer, before swapping for the paratriathlon for the 2016 Games in Rio, where she won a silver medal in the Women's PT4.

   Lauren was born without a complete right arm. Her uncle was a triathlete and it was he who suggested she try it.

2. Is Lauren Steadman doing Strictly?

   Beijing 2008 ✅
   London 2012 ✅
   Rio 2016 ✅#Strictly 2018 ✅
   Paralympic pro Lauren Steadman is the next celeb to join our line-up 🎉 @laurensteadman https://t.co/0IWsKsVzSH pic.twitter.com/075O9UQRw6

   — BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) August 20, 2018

   Lauren was confirmed to be a Strictly contestant on August 20, after it was revealed on The One Show.

   Lauren said: “I still don’t think it has properly sunk in that I’m actually going to be part of this year’s Strictly! I have loved the show since I was young, and it’s a huge thing to tick off my bucket list.

   Whoever @LaurenSteadman's partnered with is going to be put through their paces! Let's hope they can keep up with our Paralympic champ 🏅✨ #Strictly pic.twitter.com/F1QKjShAsh

   — BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 2, 2018

   “I’m more nervous about being on stage, performing live and in front of the judges than I am about the Elite Paratriathlon Grand Final next month! But I’m up for the challenge and excited to swap my triathlon kit for dancing shoes and sequins.”

3. Lauren Steadman age: How old is she?

   

   Lauren was born on December 18, 1992.

   She celebrated her 25th birthday in 2017.

Meet all the other Strictly stars:

- Ashley Roberts
- Charles Venn
- Danny John-Jules
- Faye Tozer
- Graeme Swann
- Joe Sugg
- Kate Silverton
- Katie Piper
- Lauren Steadman
- Lee Ryan
- Dr Ranj Singh
- Seann Walsh
- Stacey Dooley
- Susannah Constantine
- Vick Hope