Ellie Simmonds was a trailblazer in the world of Para events, but she has announced this week that she would be retiring from the sport after nearly ten years at the highest level. Simmonds, from Walsall, announced herself to the world at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, as despite being the youngest member of the travelling team at 13, she picked up two gold medals in the 100m freestyle S6 and 400m freestyle S6.
Paralympic Dominance
The finest moment of her career possibly came at the London 2012 Paralympics, where she was one of the poster girls for the events by organisers. She surpassed all expectations, winning golds in the 400m freestyle S6 and 200m individual medley SM6. Simmonds also won a silver in the 100m freestyle S6 and bronze in the 50m freestyle S6. Her standout performance came in the 400m freestyle, as she set a new world record in the event, beating the previous time by five seconds.
Further success would follow again in 2016, as she would add a further two Paralympic medals to take her tally to eight. She won gold in the 200m individual medley SM6, setting a new world record, becoming the first woman to complete the event in less than three minutes. Simmonds also won bronze in the 400m freestyle S6 in Rio de Janeiro.
Celebrating an athlete who inspired a generation
Relive one of the greatest moments in Paralympics history
Congratulations on a truly incredible career @EllieSimmonds1 🇬🇧🥇 pic.twitter.com/Pdp2fmoO7V— C4 Paralympics (@C4Paralympics) September 9, 2021
Along with the Paralympic medals that she won during her established career, she also won ten gold medal at the World Championships. She won two golds in the 100m freestyle S6, 400m freestyle S6 and 200m medley SM6, as well as top prizes in the 200m individual medley SM6 and the 50m freestyle S6.
Her Lasting Legacy
Few stars have been greater trailblazers for Para events throughout their careers more so than Simmonds. She captured the imagination of the nation throughout her performances at the games in 2008, 2012 and 2016, as well as at this past summer’s Tokyo Games. Simmonds has been an excellent role model for younger stars born with disabilities, proving that with hard work, they are able to achieve whatever they put their mind to.
Her impact during her career for future Team GB stars was evident in Tokyo, as she was awarded the honour of being the flag bearer for the team at the opening ceremony, and will continue to do the amazing charity work that has done throughout her career with Dwarf Sports Association UK and The Scout Association.
Brummies will also likely see a lot more of Simmonds over the coming 12 months, as she is an integral part of the organising committee board for the Commonwealth Games, which will be held in Birmingham next year.
