Dublin 2018: New Ellie Simmonds ready to enjoy Euros

“I have no expectations. I just want to go out there and race in the Europeans. My long-term goal is the Paralympic Games. Dublin is a path in that direction.”

Dublin will see a new Ellie Simmonds. More motivated, enjoying her swimming life and full of plans for the 2018 World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships.

“I found my motivation for the sport and I just want to go out there to enjoy it,” said Simmons.

She sees the Euros as the first step towards the next Paralympic Games. “I want to give Tokyo 2020 a last shot.”

The class S6 swimmer is still only 23 but Para swimming has been part of her days for more than a decade.

She was the youngest member of the British team at the Beijing 2008 Games at only 13, one of the most popular homes athletes at London 2012 but at Rio 2016 she felt things quite different.

Simmonds had to take a year away from training and competition to find back her passion for swimming.

“I had a good Games in Rio but they weren’t amazing,” she said. “After Rio 2016 I had a year out and went travelling. Deep down I know that I have more to give in the sport. It is great to be back.”

The Sheffield World Series two months ago was the first test for the new Ellie Simmonds. Although she has eight Paralympic medals to her name, she talked about the competition with eyes and smile of a newcomer.

“I went for the trials very open minded about my times and in the end it was really good. I’m really proud of myself and now it’s just training to go and represent my country in the Europeans this summer.”

“It’s nice to be back with the team, it’s just really fun, I’m really happy to compete.”

In her comeback, Simmonds has also found many new names in the team and a reason to be proud about the achievements of her sport.

“The Paralympic Movement is heading in the right direction. From Beijing 2008 to Rio 2016 a lot has happened in competition and in classification. It is good to see more athletes coming on board, especially in Team GB.”

In a week’s time, Dublin and Europe will see the new Ellie Simmonds in action. Focused but not as worried about her results.

“I have no expectations. I just want to go out there and race in the Europeans. My long-term goal is the Paralympic Games. Dublin is a path in that direction.”

To buy tickets for the World Para Swimming Allianz European Championships visit Paralympic Ireland's website.