Ellie Simmonds
Paralympic Champion and Inspirational Speaker
Ellie Simmonds is a record-breaking British Paralympic swimmer who won four Olympic gold medals before the age of 20. Born with achondroplasia, a genetic form of dwarfism, Ellie began swimming at the age of five and joined Team GB at just 13. At the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, Ellie’s hard work and determination led her to win two gold medals. That same year, she was awarded BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year, establishing her as an outstanding role model. Ellie is the ideal speaker to inspire young people and promote diversity and inclusion in sports.
At 14, Ellie became the youngest recipient of an MBE, and she has continued to dominate her sport and captivate the public. She is a passionate activist for disabled athletes and equality in sports. Since her debut in Beijing, Ellie has won 14 World titles, 10 European titles, and broken multiple world records in the 400m and 200m events, showcasing her dedication and athletic prowess.
As the poster girl of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Ellie’s remarkable achievements earned her the Best British Sporting Performance for an Athlete with Disability at the Jaguar Academy of Sport Annual Awards. She was also awarded an OBE for her contributions to sport and charity. Ellie is a patron of several organizations, including the Dwarf Sports Association UK. As a motivational speaker, Ellie shares her secrets to success, driven by her passion and ambition. Her ability to overcome adversity makes her the perfect speaker for diversity and inclusion events, inspiring audiences with her journey and insights.