Ellie Simmonds MBE

Ellie Simmonds, a five-time gold medallist and world record-holder, is one of Britain’s foremost Paralympic stars. She first gained public attention at the Beijing Paralympics, where, at just 13, she won gold in the 100m and 400m freestyle events. Her professionalism, demeanour, and enthusiasm endeared her to audiences worldwide, contributing to Britain’s best-ever Paralympic performance.

Following Beijing, Ellie secured ten World Championship golds and five European golds leading up to London 2012. Amid high expectations, she displayed remarkable poise and cheerfulness, winning four medals: golds in the 400m freestyle and 200m medley, silver in the 100m, and bronze in the 50m. At the Rio Paralympics four years later, she defended her 200m medley title, setting another world record and becoming the first in her class to swim the event in under three minutes.

Ellie remains Britain’s youngest individual winner in either the Paralympic or Olympic Games and the youngest recipient of an MBE. Her unrelenting determination and positive attitude are inspirational. She continues to train six days a week while supporting various programmes that encourage young and disabled people to participate in sports. Ellie Simmonds is not just a sporting star but a true inspiration to many.