Ellie Simmonds is a former Paralympic Swimmer and one of the youngest athletes in British history. A truly outstanding athlete having set new world records and accumulated 25 Gold medals in her professional career, Ellie is highly inspirational. Despite being diagnosed with achondroplasia, Ellie’s ability to overcome adversity and become an elite swimmer displays her extraordinary resilience and motivation. As such, she excels as a motivational speaker, sharing tips and techniques, as well as anecdotes from her journey as a Paralympic athlete.
Showing an interest in swimming at the tender age of five, Ellie began her journey at the Boldmere Swimming Club. She quickly proved herself to be an extraordinary swimmer and before long she started to compete in professional events. At 13, Ellie rose to prominence when she won two Gold medals in the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing. For her amazing performance, she was awarded the prestigious BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award. In 2012 Ellie replicated her 2008 success, winning another two Gold medals in the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Going a step further, Ellie set a new world record in the 400m freestyle, which was an amazing thing to achieve in her home country.
In her final Paralympic Games, Ellie went on to set another new world record for the 200m medley. Finishing strong, she won her final Paralympic Gold medal in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. Recognised for her exceptional talent, Ellie became the youngest person ever, to receive an MBE in 2009 aged 14. This was elevated to an OBE in 2013 in recognition of her service to Paralympic sport. Ellie was also the first swimmer to break a world record at London’s Aquatic Centre. In 2011 she was awarded Best British Sporting Performance for an Athlete with Disability at the Jaguar Academy of Sports Annual Awards. Swapping her swimming cap and goggles for dancing shoes, Ellie is joining the lineup of Strictly Come Dancing 2022.
Outside of her phenomenal athletic career, Ellie is also a remarkable human being. Her extensive charity work covers several organisations including as patron of the Dwarf Sports Association UK, and an ambassador for both WaterAid and The Scout Association. Ellie is a highly motivated individual who has displayed phenomenal resilience in the face of adversity, to become one of the most famous Paralympic athletes. A proficient motivational speaker, Ellie shares inspirational anecdotes, in addition to tried and tested tips and techniques she uses to overcome challenges.
