Paralympic Swimming: Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds targets Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
Last Updated: 23/09/14 5:48pm
London 2012 two-time Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds targets Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020
Simmonds won three golds and two silvers at the European Championships in Eindhoven earlier this month, including breaking her own world record to win the SM6 200m individual medley.
''I swam really well in Eindhoven, I was so happy with my achievement. Four personal bests and a world record as well, I’m really chuffed with how I swam.'' She told Sportswomen on Sky Sports.
The 19-year-old four-time champion believes she still has a lot to still achieve in the sport and is aiming to compete in both the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
''I’m definitely growing in the sport, each year you get better and better. I’m still 19, there’s still more in me to give to the sport, there’s still things I can work on, improve and be the best athlete I can be.
''It’s great to know that I helped para-swimming and to inspire the next generation of swimming. I remember watching Athens 2004 and Nayree Lewis inspired me to want to go to a Paralympics then four years later I was taking part in Beijing.
''I’d love to go to Rio, that’s my long-term goal and to hopefully go to Tokyo as well after that. I still love the sport and I think that’s really important.
''If you don’t wake up and you don’t love the sport then what’s the point in doing it?''
