Ellie Simmonds CBE

Hailing from Walsall in the West Midlands, Ellie Simmonds OBE showed promise when she was not even a teenager and competing in the IPC World Championships of 2006. But nobody could’ve predicted that only a few years later this motivational speaker would’ve amassed 25 gold medals – four of them earned while competing at the Olympics.

It was Beijing in 2008 when Ellie performed in a Paralympic capacity for the first time – and promptly won a staggering brace of gold medals (in the 100m and 400m freestyle). At the next Olympic Games in London, her performance was even better. As well as winning another two gold medals (this time in the 400m Freestyle and the 200m Individual Medley), Simmonds won a silver in the 100m freestyle and a bronze in the 50m freestyle.

In between these incredible achievements, the motivational speaker won six – count them – six gold medals at the 2009 World Championships (25m), five gold medals at the 2009 European Championships and four more at the 2010 World Championships. Ellie then went on to win another four golds at the World Championships in 2013 (three) and 2015.

An unbelievable talent and with a personality that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. When you see Ellie’s beaming smile, you can’t help but share her joy and feel almost as good as she does. In short, audiences love her.