Ellie Simmonds: Beginnings

Ellie Simmonds, who has Achondroplasia dwarfism, started swimming at the age of five. She started competing against able-bodied children at the age of eight. At 10 years old, Ellie’s talent was spotted at a disability event. She was entered onto the British Swimming talent programme. Since her meteoric rise into the public eye in Beijing. Ellie has continued to dominate her sport. Winning 13 World titles, 10 European titles and breaking eight world records along the way.

Ellie first came to public attention at the Beijing Paralympics where, at the age of just 13, she took gold in impressive style in the 100m and 400m freestyle. She was a key part of Britain’s greatest overall Paralympics performance and her professionalism, demeanour and enthusiasm won over audiences around the world.

Olympics

After Bejing Ellie went on to take ten World championship golds and five European golds in the run up to London 2012. With expectation high, she took on the pressure and scrutiny of the home crowd with characteristic calm and good cheer and won a remarkable four medals – golds in the 400m freestyle and 200m medley, silver in the 100m, and bronze in the 50m. Four years later in Rio she defended her 200m medley title setting yet another world record in the process and becoming the first in her class to swim the event in under three minutes.

Inspiring

A true inspiration and sporting star, Ellie is Britain’s youngest ever individual winner in either Paralympic or Olympic Games, and the youngest person to be awarded an MBE. Known for her unrelenting determination and positive attitude, she continues to train six days a week whilst also supporting a range of programmes encouraging young and disabled people to participate in sport.

Achievements

5 x Paralympic Gold medallist

1 x Paralympic Silver medallist

2 x Paralympic Bronze medallist

8 x World Championships Gold medallist

3 x World Championships Silver medallist

4 x World Championships Bronze medallist

6 x 25m World Championships Gold medallist

1 x 25m World Championships Silver medallist

7 x European Championships Gold medallist

2 x European Championships Silver medallist

1 x Paralympic World Cup Gold medallist