Making a splash
As Britain’s second-youngest Paralympian – she competed at the Beijing 2008 games aged just 13 – Ellie Simmonds has already made history. And now, as Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever contestant with dwarfism, she’s doing it once again. But it hasn’t been easy for the 27-year-old. Ellie admitted, ‘Some people have said, “How’s the dwarf going to dance?”’ Adding, ‘It’s sad and it does get to you.’ However, not one to be defeated – as proved by the amazing 26 points she racked up after her first dance – the swimmer said, ‘If I can do it, people watching can too.’
That’s the spirit – we’re rooting for you, Ellie!