Ellie Simmonds visited Shrubbery School students – and the swimming legend made a real splash with the youngsters.
Ellie, who began her swimming career at Boldmere Swimming Club before representing Great Britain at four Paralympics, even brought along some of her eight medals for children to try on at the Shrubbery, which is Sutton’s longest-established independent school.
Ellie, 27, said: “It was brilliant to speak to the children and they were so interested and full of amazing questions.
“By visiting schools like this I really want to make children think about their own aspirations, whatever they are, and help them to see that through hard work and determination you can achieve your dreams – because I did!”
Ellie Simmonds visited Shrubbery School
Pupils at the Walmley school watched clips of Ellie winning in the pool at the Beijing, London and Rio Paralympics, before being given the chance to try on some of the medals she was awarded.
The swimming star also explained how years of dedication, training twice each day, saw her go from Wyndley Leisure Centre to the Paralympic poolside.
Headteacher Amanda Lees said: “We were really honoured to have Ellie visit the Shrubbery, and the children were spellbound by her stories, which were truly inspirational.
“Ellie is the latest in a series of guest speakers we have arranged at the Shrubbery, who we hope will inspire the children to achieve their full potential.”
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“It was brilliant to speak to the children and they were so interested and full of amazing questions,”
– ellie simmonds