“My body has won me gold medals”

ELLIE

Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds says being surrounded by people with disabilities has given her confidence

Six days a week, Ellie gets up at 4.50am to train. That’s 16 to 18 hours of swimming a week, three gym sessions and a handful of yoga classes too. And while Ellie – who has won gold five times at the Paralympics – admits her training can be gruelling, she also says the benefits are huge for her. “Swimming clears my head, it’s my meditation. I love the feeling of being fit, and even once I’ve retired I’ll make sure I keep up with my fitness, not only for my body but for my mental health too.” Ellie – who has genetic disorder achondroplasia – says being surrounded by inspirational people with disabilities boosts her body confidence: “Being a dwarf means I have rolls on my legs, and even at my lowest weight they’ve never gone. I’m very conscious of those, but then I think, ‘Why should I be embarrassed when that’s me?’ I can’t change it and my body has given me so many achievements. Being around other Paralympians has shown me that not everyone is exactly the same and everyone is incredible in their own way.”