Glasgow gymnast who needed 'multiple operations' to walk has 20 gold medals

Teo Di Lieto, who was born with talipes (clubfoot) in his left leg, has won 20 gold medals in the sport.

The 12-year-old was crowned Scottish National Champion at his most recent competition and he is now making gymnastics part of his everyday physiotherapy treatment.

Teo said: “Gymnastics has made my journey much easier by helping keep my foot as strong and mobile as possible.

“It has also helped with my self-confidence, knowing that despite having talipes I have still achieved lots, and my disability hasn’t stopped me from winning or being accepted by people.”

Teo had his first operation at three months old to lengthen his Achilles tendon, followed by weeks in a cast. More operations followed including, at the age of six, surgery to remove tendon to help keep his foot straight.

His mum, Jo, took him along to a gymnastics class for toddlers at 18 months, after a suggestion by the hospital care team that it would help keep his foot strong and mobile.

His current club is Clydebank-based Dynamite Gymnastics, who have supported him as he continues to develop his skills.

Now, the determined young boy trains up to 10 hours every week.

“The difference in strength and leg lengths due to my foot means that it is hard to stay on line, which is really important in both tumble and Double-Mini-Trampoline, and I can’t jump nearly as high using that leg,” he explains.

“But gymnastics is not about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do.

“And I’m so happy with what I’ve managed to achieve.”

Jo said: “Dynamite Gymnastics Club have been incredibly encouraging. They have never discriminated against him because of it.

“They support him to try his best, and if he is unable to do an exercise or skill, they suggest a different strategy to try and help.

“That’s what has made his whole experience so enjoyable I think.

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“Teo always has energy, and it’s so important that he does regular exercise and physio to help keep his foot strong, so I’m delighted to see he’s found a sport he loves that also helps him so much.”

She adds: “Sport is all about inclusion, and gymnastics has been wonderful for his development.”

Teo says: “I really enjoy pushing myself to gain new skills, and gymnastics is a fun way to do the daily activity that I need to do to help keep my leg mobile and pain free.

“My club has been amazing for me, and they have had lots of successful gymnasts.”