Although she still experiences nerves in her current work, including public speaking and broadcasting, Ellie explained that it’s not the same as the pressure of elite competition.
Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds has admitted she still misses the intense thrill of pushing herself to the limit in competitive swimming. The five-time gold medallist retired from the sport following the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, held in 2021, but says nothing quite compares to the unique adrenaline rush of racing for Great Britain on the world stage.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards 2025 in London on 15 May, Ellie, now 30, reflected on her transition out of professional sport. “When you’re an athlete, you wake up every day with purpose—training hard, travelling, and preparing to represent your country,” she said. “That competitive lifestyle brings a sense of camaraderie and drive that’s hard to replicate.”
Although she still experiences nerves in her current work, including public speaking and broadcasting, Ellie explained that it’s not the same as the pressure of elite competition. “I do feel nervous at events like this, and even when I’m presenting or interviewing, but nothing beats that one moment when it’s all on you—your training, your body, your performance,” she added. “That’s what I miss—the adrenaline of pushing yourself to the edge.”
Despite retiring from swimming, Ellie has found other ways to challenge herself. Recently, she cycled 100 miles for charity, and she’s embraced a new role in broadcasting. She’s co-hosted popular programmes like Crufts and will be part of Channel 4’s presenting team for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
Beyond sport and broadcasting, Ellie has also become an advocate through documentary filmmaking. Her ITV feature Should I Have Children? explored the complexities of parenting as someone with dwarfism and raised questions about the likelihood of passing on her condition. She’s since used her media presence to raise awareness on topics such as adoption, disability, and motherhood.
Reflecting on her journey, Ellie said: “The media platform I now have gives me the opportunity to work on issues that truly matter to me. Whether it’s discussing disability or women’s health, it’s this kind of work that now motivates me the most.”
While she may no longer compete in the pool, Ellie Simmonds continues to inspire—this time through storytelling, advocacy, and personal growth.
