Is Van der Pol Making Waves on Ice at the Para World Champs?

Kirsty Van der Poll is set to make history as she competes in the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women's Championships, showcasing her incredible journey from Para-athletics to this exciting new challenge. This 24-year-old Welsh athlete's resilience and dedication to sports exemplify the spirit of inclusivity in athletics, as she continues to break boundaries in various disciplines.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Kirsty Van der Poll is competing in the first-ever World Para Ice Hockey Women's Championships.
• She transitioned from Para-athletics after a leg amputation in 2022.
• Van der Poll has a background in multiple sports, including surfing and wheelchair basketball.
• The tournament runs from 26 to 31 August 2023 in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.
• Her participation highlights the growing opportunities for women in Para sports.

A Journey Through Sports

Kirsty Van der Poll's journey into sports began during her childhood. Growing up in Wales, she was an active child who loved sports. However, her experiences were complicated by her condition, talipes, commonly known as clubfoot. This lower limb condition affected the development of some tendons in her foot and Achilles tendon, leading to challenges in able-bodied sports.

Despite these challenges, Van der Poll discovered the world of Para-athletics after watching it on television. She was inspired by the athletes competing at a high level and decided to pursue this path herself. "That was my first real moment of realising what the world of disability sport was like – and that there were other people like me competing and achieving at a high level," she explained.

Achievements in Para-Athletics

Van der Poll quickly made a name for herself in Para-athletics. She captained the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team at the 2019 World Para Athletics Junior Championships in Switzerland, where she secured two silver medals. This success propelled her into the senior level, making her debut at the World Championships in Italy later that year.

However, her academic pursuits at Loughborough University brought new challenges. Van der Poll began experiencing significant pain in her leg, which ultimately led to a life-altering decision to have the leg amputated in 2022. "I thought, well, if I can't stand up and walk around anyway, what's the worst that can happen?" she recalled, reflecting on the difficult decision to proceed with the surgery.

Rehabilitation and New Challenges

Following the amputation, Van der Poll faced a rigorous rehabilitation process. She found strength in pushing herself physically and embraced challenges in new ways. "Sport has always been that constant for me," she noted, emphasising the importance of athletics in her life. The journey to recovery was not easy, but she remained focused on regaining her strength and adapting to her new reality.

Expanding Her Sporting Horizons

After regaining her strength, Van der Poll sought new challenges and rekindled her love for surfing during a holiday in South Africa and Australia. Less than a year post-surgery, she competed in the 2023 ISA World Para Surfing Championships in California, finishing an impressive fourth. However, the limited opportunities for surfing in her home region of the Midlands prompted her to search for another sport.

This led her to ice hockey, a sport she had considered in the past. "Ice hockey has been something that's been on my radar for a while," she shared. Her transition to this dynamic sport illustrates her determination to explore new avenues and continue competing at a high level.

Making History in Ice Hockey

Kirsty Van der Poll's latest venture into ice hockey will see her represent Great Britain at the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women's Championships, held in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia, from 26 to 31 August 2023. This historic event marks a significant milestone for women's Para ice hockey, providing an opportunity to showcase female athletes' talents and skills on a global stage.

The tournament features six teams, including the USA, Australia, Canada, Norway, and Team World. Great Britain will compete in Group B against formidable opponents like Canada and Team World, with the aim of securing a place in the semi-finals.

Advocacy and Empowerment

Van der Poll's participation in this championship goes beyond mere competition. She views it as an opportunity to advocate for inclusivity in sports. "It feels really important to show people what can be done," she stated, emphasising her commitment to encouraging others to get involved in sports, regardless of their circumstances.

Her story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the resilience and adaptability required to overcome life's challenges. With the establishment of a dedicated division for women's Para ice hockey, Van der Poll is excited to help shape the future of the sport.

The Road Ahead

As she prepares to step onto the ice, Van der Poll reflects on her journey and the significance of this moment. "Now that we've been given our own division and World Championships for women's Para ice hockey, it's such an opportunity to showcase what female athletes can do," she said, underscoring her enthusiasm for the sport and its potential growth.

With her diverse background in athletics, surfing, and now ice hockey, Kirsty Van der Poll exemplifies the spirit of determination and resilience. As she embarks on this new chapter, her story encourages others to embrace their passions and seize every opportunity that comes their way.

FAQs

What is talipes?

Talipes, commonly known as clubfoot, is a congenital condition affecting the foot and ankle. It can cause the foot to turn inwards or downwards, leading to difficulties in movement and alignment.

When and where are the World Para Ice Hockey Women's Championships taking place?

The inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women's Championships are scheduled from 26 to 31 August 2023 in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia.

What other sports has Kirsty Van der Poll participated in?

In addition to ice hockey, Kirsty Van der Poll has experience in Para-athletics, wheelchair basketball, kayaking, canoe polo, and surfing.

How does Kirsty Van der Poll view her role in sports?

Kirsty Van der Poll sees herself as an advocate for inclusivity in sports, aiming to inspire others by showing what is possible for athletes with disabilities.

What challenges did Kirsty face after her amputation?

Post-amputation, Kirsty Van der Poll faced a challenging rehabilitation process, dealing with physical limitations and the emotional aspects of adjusting to her new reality while striving to return to competitive sports.

As Kirsty Van der Poll prepares for this pivotal moment in her sporting career, her journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the importance of seizing opportunities. How will her story inspire others in the world of Para sports? #ParaIceHockey #KirstyVanDerPoll #WomenInSports