Ellie Simmonds

Ellie Simmonds is a celebrated Paralympic champion and inspirational speaker who brings passion, purpose, and powerful storytelling to every stage she steps on. Known for her resilience and humour, she captivates audiences across sectors with her journey of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness. As a speaker, Ellie challenges perceptions, inspires resilience, and shares strategies for peak performance, inclusion, and mental strength, all underpinned by her own lived experience at the highest level of elite sport.

Ellie’s story began in the West Midlands, where she was born with achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Drawn to the water from a young age, she began swimming at five and quickly displayed the determination that would set her apart. By the age of 13, she made history at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, becoming the youngest British athlete to win a medal at the Games — and not just one, but two gold medals. Her dedication led to further success at London 2012, where she won four medals, including two golds with world records, and became a household name. Her journey has been a powerful example of grit, sacrifice, and the importance of self-belief, making her an extraordinary voice in performance and motivation.

After defending her title at Rio 2016 with another world-record-breaking gold and securing a bronze, Ellie gradually transitioned from elite competition into broader public life. She announced her retirement in 2021 and has since flourished as a broadcaster, disability advocate, and public figure. In recent years, she has presented for the BBC at the Commonwealth Games, competed in Strictly Come Dancing, co-presented Crufts, and fronted the ITV documentary ‘Finding My Secret Family’. Ellie has also amassed eight World Championship titles and ten European gold medals, further cementing her legacy as one of Britain’s most successful and influential athletes.

Ellie is hired not just for her sporting achievements, but for her authenticity, impact, and ability to connect deeply with audiences. Her talks offer valuable insight into high performance, mental resilience, inclusivity, and adapting to change — delivered with warmth, candour, and unshakeable optimism.