Photo Credit: ParalympicsGB
A “legend,” an “inspiration” and “simply the face of the Paralympics” are just a flavour of the glowing tributes paid to Ellie Simmonds as she hinted at her probable retirement. One fan pointedly added “surely there should be a ‘Dame’ before her name!?”
They may have a point. 41 international honours, including five Paralympic titles from four Games and countless world records, are among her many achievements in the pool. Out of the water the London 2012 ‘poster girl’ will also leave a lasting legacy, which includes helping to change perceptions about her sport and disabled people across the UK. Para swimming champions Maisie Summers-Newton and Ellie Robinson as well as powerlifting medallist Olivia Broome, who are also athletes with short stature, all stated her impact – in and out of the water – paved the path to their own podium successes. Para swimming participation numbers have soared since we first witnessed her tearful celebrations at Beijing 2008 and she has become the sport’s most recognisable face during a transformative period which has seen Para athletes become household names. “It’s been amazing to have played a part in inspiring the next generation,” says Simmonds, who was the ParalympicsGB flagbearer for the Tokyo 2020 Games. “I’m honoured and it makes me emotional to think about Maisie, Ellie and all of those girls and guys who was were inspired by watching me at London 2012 and now they’re the ones inspiring the next generation. I know I’m leaving the sport in a great place.”
Simmonds may have ended Tokyo 2020 without any further podium finishes, but the swimmer’s successes can be measured by more than medals. But how best to assess? Well this is what some of those which have been “fortunate” enough to be around her had to say after Simmonds finished racing in her final Paralympics. Double Paralympic champion and Tokyo team-mate Maisie Newton-Summers:
“To race alongside her was something I’ll never forget because she’s been such an icon for ParalympicsGB and Paralympic sports across the world. “She’ll always be a Paralympic icon and four Paralympic Games is something you dream of. It’s just awesome that she’s been at the top for as long as she has been and she’s undoubtedly going to be one of my sporting inspirations forever.” Seven-time world champion swimmer and GB team-mate Alice Tai:
“She helped to change how disabled people are seen. Before Beijing 2008 the Paralympics weren’t even known that well and I didn’t even know I could qualify as a disabled swimmer, so she’s influenced my career and that of every athlete who’s on the GB team today. “She’s the face of the Paralympics, brought the Paralympic movement forward by so many years and she brought so many disabled and non-disabled people together. “She’s also kind of like the mum of Paralympic swimming and rather than being bitter about being beaten she really helps those athletes, cares and mentors them.” Four-time Paralympic champion turned C4 commentator Marc Woods:
“She’s a fierce competitor who has achieved incredible things. The fact we see her regularly on TV in adverts is good not only for Paralympic sport, but for people with a disability throughout the UK. “The sport has moved on, but she has so much to offer in terms of continuing to inspire young people to do sport and to lead disability sport in the UK.” Broadcaster Clare Balding speaking on C4:
“She’s probably the highest profile para swimmer ever and she’s spent more than half of her life in the pool, so we’d like to thank her for everything she has done we wish her well with whatever comes next.”
Photo Credits: ParalympicsGB