"Grasp every opportunity"
Five-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds will be poolside for swimming events in Paris for Eurosport and Discovery+
Getty
- Caroline Frost
Apart from your TV duties, what events will you be tuning in for?
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I love athletics and gymnastics. What’s nice about the Olympics are those sports you never normally watch but get hooked on. Everyone becomes an expert. Last time, I couldn’t stop watching taekwondo.
What will be the big swimming stories at these Games?
Adam Peaty is back! He has talked openly about his struggles, which is very strong and empowering for him, and now he’s going for the triple. The girls include Freya Colbert, who’s new on the team but already a world champion in the 400m medley, and Abbie Wood, who is competing in the same event.
What do you think is behind the resurgence in British swimming?
This new generation were originally inspired by London 2012, and have learned to cope with the pressure. Experienced competitors like Adam Peaty and Duncan Scott have helped pave the way for change.
What would you tell any athlete who is going to the Games for the first time?
London went by in a flash for me, so I would tell them to grasp every opportunity and try to take it all in. Otherwise, just do what you do in normal competitions. Keep to your routine; it’s tried and tested.
You retired in 2021 and have since spoken about the mental health struggles you have faced. What are the biggest challenges?
Swimming was my comfort zone. When I was competing, I always had a plan – for four years, the next year, the next week – and suddenly that’s all gone out of the window. It’s amazing to have more time on my hands and not be tired, but you have to ask, “What do I want to do?” There’s also a massive support system around you, and all of a sudden that changes.
How do you take care of yourself?
Exercise – I swim once a week and go to the gym – and talking to people, calling friends, going for a walk and doing things that make me happy. It’s all for mental health now, though I’m determined to stay fit.
What’s your all-time most magical Olympics memory?
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Max Whitlock getting his two golds in the gymnastics at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, and the high jumpers from Italy and Qatar deciding to share the gold at Tokyo in 2021. That felt emotional, full of the Olympic spirit.
Authors
Caroline Frost
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