Athlete, 29, with 'Little to No' Vision Defies Odds When She Becomes an Award-Winning Gymnast (Exclusive)

“I heard a lot of ‘you can’t’s before I met these coaches,” she says. “I was really lucky to work with two coaches when I first started who were willing to try and try again with me to figure out how to make it work.”

Those early years were defined by trial and error, as she and her coaches worked together to adapt each movement in ways that made them both possible and safe, often rethinking techniques that are typically taught visually.

What could have easily become a source of frustration instead became something far more meaningful, helping to reshape not only her abilities but also her sense of self.

“I really enjoy the challenge of all of them,” she says, explaining that even the most basic skills require an extraordinary level of focus and determination — especially when building them without relying on sight.

“He made me feel like the extra time spent trying to figure out how to make skills work for me was worth it,” she continues, adding that those experiences are a big part of why she now coaches both disabled and non-disabled athletes, determined to create the same kind of supportive environment she once needed.

Now, years later, Malfatti is doing things that once seemed impossible, relying not on sight but on repetition, spatial awareness and an intense connection to her own body, which she has trained to respond instinctively.

That foundation has allowed her to turn fear into confidence.

“One of the things I do is count my steps,” she explains, describing how she orients herself within a space, adding that returning to the basics during every training session has helped turn complex movements into muscle memory — something she calls “a powerful tool for any athlete.”

“It’s such an amazing feeling to do something that seems scary and conquer that feeling,” she says. “That’s a feeling that can’t be duplicated.”

Over time, those once-daunting moments have become opportunities — not just to succeed, but to share that success with others, whether through competition or simply hearing the reaction of a crowd.

That reaction has followed her beyond the gym, especially after a BBC feature about her journey went viral in 2017, just before she went on to win Cheerleading Worlds with Team England’s para-cheer team.

“I was a bit obsessed with reading the comments,” she admits, recalling how many people expressed surprise at what they were seeing.

“People were like, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before.’ ”

That realization stayed with her, eventually prompting her to think more deeply about representation and the absence of athletes like her in both sport and media.

“The more I thought about it, the more I realized how underrepresented people with disabilities are,” she says, adding that after going through what she describes as a “really dark period,” she made a conscious decision to start sharing her story more openly.

“If I could help people like me, or inspire even one person to try something they see as hard, then why not share my journey?”

Years later, her videos regularly reach millions, offering a glimpse into what’s possible while also creating a sense of connection for those who see themselves reflected in her experiences.

“The comments that stick with me are always from parents with disabled children,” she says, particularly those who share that her journey helps them imagine a brighter future for their own kids, as well as messages from disabled individuals who feel encouraged to try something new.

Those responses have become a source of motivation, especially on the days when things feel more difficult.

“Sometimes I feel frustrated with my training or don’t want to share,” she admits, “but then I get those comments… and it makes it all worth it.”

Looking back, she says her growth — both as an athlete and as a person — still surprises her.

“Self-confidence is something I have never had in abundance,” she admits, explaining that years of bullying and abuse once caused her to shrink into herself.

“[This] sport has allowed me to become who I am again.”

She hopes that by continuing to show up — visibly and unapologetically — she can help shift the way others think about disability.

Steph Malfatti on the balance beam
Credit: Courtesy Malfatti

As for now, Malfatti plans to continue competing for several more years, while also expanding her reach beyond social media — whether through public speaking, coaching or helping develop adaptive sports programs.

“We live in a world where people are quick to judge, quick to see limitations,” she says. “And not quick to see potential.”

“As a kid, not seeing people like me in sport or media… was hard,” she adds. “I hope I not only inspire people with disabilities, but also educate people and impact how they view disability and capability.”

“I want to make an impact," she continues.

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