Ellie Simmonds, the retired Paralympic swimmer and TV presenter, looks back on her life and career with characteristic honesty. Born in Walsall in 1994, Simmonds was adopted at three months old and grew up in a unique family where all five children were adopted. She moved to Swansea at age 11 to train with the GB squad and became the youngest member of the British team at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics at just 13, winning two gold medals. She added two more golds at London 2012, breaking two world records, and a fifth gold at Rio 2016. Since retiring in 2021, she has presented for BBC Sport and made documentaries including A World Without Dwarfism? and Finding My Secret Family.
A Boisterous Childhood
Reflecting on an old photo of herself at age four in her grandma's garden in Walsall, Simmonds describes herself as energetic, non-stop, and vibrant. "Mum says I was never one to sit inside and watch TV, despite her efforts to occasionally get me to chill out on the sofa. Screen time wasn't for me," she recalls. As the youngest of five adopted siblings, she was boisterous and ruled the roost. Her sister Katie also has achondroplasia, and another sister, Pauline, has a disability. Their parents raised them to embrace differences and instilled self-belief. Being part of the Dwarf Sports Association also boosted her confidence.
Discovering Swimming
Simmonds learned to swim properly at age five in the family's small garden pool. Her competitive spirit was innate. Watching the Athens 2004 Paralympics on TV opened her eyes to a potential career. After attending her first disability gala in Swansea in December 2004, talent spotters noted her promise. She hit the qualification time for Beijing 2008 with a new world record.
Teenage Champion
At 13, she won her first gold medal in Beijing. Celebrating with unlimited food at McDonald's in the Paralympic Village was a highlight. She loved being part of the squad, making up dances to Britney Spears with older teammates who took her under their wing. Her coach Billy Pye was like a second dad. Going through puberty while competing wasn't as hard as expected; her body felt like a powerful engine.
Overcoming Setbacks
Losing the 400 metres freestyle in Glasgow in 2015 was devastating. Simmonds became self-critical, questioning her sleep and training. "I have a habit of taking failure out on myself," she admits. Rio 2016 was also challenging due to a coach who pushed too hard. After a year out and a break during Covid, she realized there might be a future away from sport. She trained for Tokyo but grew resentful of swimming. "I'd sit on the tube, wishing I was going to a yoga class instead," she says. After four Games, she felt ready for a new challenge.
A Sign to Retire
Simmonds took a disqualification in her last race at Tokyo as a sign. She had been disqualified in the 100 metres backstroke at her first world championships in 2006. She and coach Billy saw it as a sign to move on.
Life After Swimming
Transitioning to normal life was hardest on her body. She had to watch her diet after burning calories through daily training. But she loved not waking up in the dark for training and not worrying about drug tests. "The constant vigilance and pressure was finally over," she says.
Finding Her Birth Mother
Retirement gave her mental space to seek her birth mother. She documented the journey because adoption, especially for children with disabilities, is rarely discussed. "I was nervous, and very emotional, but it was a weight off my shoulders," she says. The experience reinforced that her adoptive parents are her true parents.
What If Not Swimming?
Her mum jokes that without swimming, Simmonds would probably have ended up in jail. "She doubts that I could sit still long enough to maintain a nine to five," Simmonds laughs. She envisions a life involving people and her passion for the environment.
Enjoying the Simple Things
Simmonds no longer misses the adrenaline of competing. She still enjoys exciting activities like skydiving and deep diving, and last year completed a 100-mile charity bike ride. But this chapter is about having time to sit on the beach, laugh around a kitchen table, and enjoy life's simple things.
