I was really keen on horse-riding, too, but I knew I had to give it up to give more time to swimming. — 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
Swimming is only half of your life, so you have to think about what you're going to do afterwards. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
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
As an older woman now, I feel the pressure more, I feel all those different aspects, I'm more aware of that. Whereas… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I've got to go out there and do a job and focus on swimming and do my own thing, and I think… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
Swimming outside the pool is scary. I don't like not knowing what's underneath me - it's quite dark in lakes. I swam… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I grew up swimming. Our first house in Aldridge, in the West Midlands, had a pool at the bottom of the garden. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I'm just going into London to enjoy it as much as I can. Enjoy the experience and just swim the best that… — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
My mum took me to swimming lessons when I was very young, four years old. — Ellie Simmonds Copy Share Image
I was 8 when I started swimming training, but it wasn't until I was 10 when it became more serious so over… — 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
