I learnt to swim at the age of four or five. My parents took me to a club where you go from… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
It's nice to hope to inspire people out there who maybe have a little less motivation or who are low in confidence… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Four Games is incredible. Especially as an nine-year-old watching Athens 2004. To think as a kid then I would not just go… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
In China they don't mind getting their cameras out, but I try to go with the flow. In countries where there is… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Saturday is usually my social day to go out with my friends for food or shopping. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
On a typical Monday I swim from six until 8am. I go from there to the gym and do a session from… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Watching Nyree Lewis get her medal in the 100 backstroke inspired me to want to go to a Paralympics and it just… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I've always been competitive and determined. It's part of my personality. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
As an older woman now, I feel the pressure more, I feel all those different aspects, I'm more aware of that. Whereas as a… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I recently met Michael Phelps. He is my absolute idol. I was totally starstruck. I did manage to get a few words out. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
My plan of going to Tokyo has gone out of the window, but I was able to spend three to four months with my… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Our parents were very generous, and they always encouraged us to find something we enjoyed and really get into it. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I think people shouldn't think 'I'm not normal, I've got a disability.' Overcome that, go out there and enjoy your life and achieve something. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Coming into London having the experience of Beijing is really good. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I don't want to be stuck up. I'm just a normal person. My friends think of me as a normal friend, and I like… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Sometimes I'll get reminded that I promote Paralympic sport and Paralympics GB. Yes, I have a role but I don't feel like an idol. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
It drives me forward knowing people are watching me and I have to swim well. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I'm studying psychology at Loughborough and there are so many sportspeople here - you actually see top athletes walking around - but people see… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
