The High Performance Podcast Ellie Simmonds OBE: The unseen costs of being a pioneer in sport (E141)
Sep 5, 2022
Ellie Simmonds OBE, a former Paralympic swimming champion who won two gold medals at just 13, shares her journey of overcoming pressure and the emotional toll of competition. She discusses the significance of mental resilience and teamwork in sports, the challenges of identity shaped by disability, and how embracing openness about disabilities fosters understanding. Ellie also reflects on life's transitions after competitive success, emphasizing personal growth and the joy found in small moments.
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Young but Mature
- Ellie Simmonds, at 13, felt like a 30-year-old due to being the youngest on the team.
- She attached herself to older athletes who mentored her, shielding her from external pressures.
Pressure and Age
- Ellie Simmonds thrived under pressure as a young athlete, but now finds it more challenging.
- She reflects on her younger self, wishing she could recapture that resilience.
School-Life Balance
- Ellie's resilience wasn't solely defined by her disability but by her support system and personality.
- Balancing school and swimming provided a crucial distraction and sense of normalcy.