Not many teenagers carry a nation’s expectations on their shoulders – but Ellie Simmonds is used to life in the public eye.
The former Aldridge schoolgirl is a one-woman goldrush, having claimed two Paralympic titles four years ago, four world crowns in 2010 and another seven at the past two European Championships.
The Paralympic Games get underway in London on Wednesday and the Walsall-born athlete, who will be swimming in the S6 category, said: “There has been a bit of pressure but I am able to cope with it and take it in my stride.
“I am going to London hoping to swim the best I can and not think about everything like that.”
For Simmonds, the last Games in Beijing was life-changing and she had to adapt to being thrust into the spotlight at just 13. She had to learn to refocus on her sport and admitted London has come around quickly.
“Getting those two gold medals in Beijing was unexpected.” she said.
“There was a whirlwind of things to do afterwards but then it calmed down a bit.”
Simmonds, now 17, was the first swimmer to break a world record at the Olympic Park Aquatics Centre when she lowered the S6 200m individual medley mark in March. She said: “I am going into the Games very excited but quite nervous as well. I think it is good to have nerves as they drive you forward.
“The biggest disappointment for me is if I don’t swim the best I can. My aim in London is not medals.
“They would be lovely but I just want to go there and swim my best and hope that is good enough. I know there is going to be stiff competition but it will be exciting.”
