The Midlands' golden girl: Ellie Simmonds OBE on the women behind her success
‘They were always up there in the crowd, cheering me on.’
Five-time Paralympic Champion and nine-time World Champion Ellie Simmonds OBE is one of GB's most recognisable and decorated sporting figures. Born in Walsall with achondroplasia, she burst onto the world stage at just 13 years old at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, taking home two golds and breaking her own World Record in the process.
Ellie grew up in Aldridge, Walsall, where she first fell in love with swimming aged five. She initially trained at Boldmere Swimming Club in nearby Sutton Coldfield before her talent took her to the Paralympic podium. Today, Ellie's mark on Aldridge remains with a golden post box on Aldridge High Street, painted in her honour following London 2012.
Ellie went on to compete at four Paralympic Games across a glittering 15-year career, winning five Paralympic golds, 17 World Championship medals and setting numerous World Records.
After announcing her retirement from competitive swimming in September 2021 following Tokyo 2020, Ellie hung up her goggles and is now taking time to reflect on her career and acknowledge the people behind her success as part of Celebration Day - a national moment of remembrance on Monday 25 May that invites people across the UK to honour those we've lost and the mentors, friends and heroes whose influence endures.
Since retiring, Ellie has looked back at the full picture of her career, and her Grandma and Auntie Shirley were central to every step of her journey. They were her biggest supporters, she said: “I've got so many memories of them. When I was racing at my biggest events, they were always up there in the crowd, cheering me on, decked in their GB flags.”
That unwavering support was central to some of the greatest moments of her career, including two gold medals and two World Records at London 2012 alone – moments that made her a household name and inspired a generation of para-athletes.
Reflecting on her upbringing and family has taken on new meaning for Ellie in recent years. Since retiring, she has spoken openly about her adoption journey and discovering who she is beyond the pool.
She said: “I went through my adoption journey, finding out my story of who I am and my birth mum and I think moments like that, it does remind you of how much love you have for your family.”
That journey of self-discovery has deepened her appreciation for her family and the loved ones she has lost. Outside the pool, her Grandma's presence lives on in unexpected ways, she said: “Grandma had a Christmas party every Christmas, and our WhatsApp group, even though it's not at Grandma's anymore, it's called 'Not at Grandma's Christmas party', because it was always at Grandma's.”
Ellie is a passionate believer in lifting the stigma around grief and encouraging more open conversations, which is why she is taking part in Celebration Day 2026.
Celebration Day is a not-for-profit national moment of remembrance on Monday 25 May, that invites people across the UK to honour those we’ve lost and the mentors, friends, and heroes whose influence endures.
This year, Celebration Day is marked with a simple, national ritual. At 7pm on Monday 25 May, people are encouraged to raise a glass, cup or mug in memory of someone whose influence endures as part of The Big Toast. People are encouraged to celebrate in their own way, whether that be with friends, family, or quiet reflection.
Ellie said: “This Celebration Day I'm raising a cup of tea to my Auntie Shirley and my Grandma, to mark their memory.”
Since launching in 2022, Celebration Day has gained support across British public life, including from The King, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Stephen Fry, The One Show, National Trust and more.
Celebration Day takes place on the last Monday in May, inviting the nation to honour those who are no longer with us. At its heart is the Big Toast at 7pm, when the country pauses to raise a glass and #MarkTheirMemory. Find out more at celebrationday.com.