Life lessons: Ellie Simmonds on what life so far has taught her

Ellie Simmonds OBE, Paralympic gold medallist and broadcaster, is showing her support for World Celebration Day, a global event dedicated to recognising those who positively influence our lives. Reflecting on the experiences that have shaped her journey from elite athlete to life beyond competitive sport, Ellie shares the important lessons she’s learned and the special family members she plans to honour this year.

Starting her day with a clear routine, Ellie prefers waking around 7:15 am, especially when at home. She describes needing some time to fully wake up, usually beginning with a coffee and allowing herself about thirty minutes to get ready. When possible, she likes to head to Barry’s Bootcamp for a workout before breakfast, as it helps her set a strong tone for the day. On a broader note, she feels hopeful about the growing number of individuals contributing to environmental causes. Her recent attendance at Earthfest in London highlighted how people working in conservation and ocean protection are making meaningful efforts, often through community action and sports initiatives aimed at raising awareness about ecological issues.

Ellie is candid about the everyday things that irritate her, such as drivers lingering unnecessarily in the middle lane and displays of poor manners, like failing to say thank you when someone holds a door open. If she hadn’t pursued a career in sports, she imagines she might have become a farmer, drawn by a longtime love of animals including horses, dogs, and chickens, which were a big part of her childhood. Throughout her life, punctuality has been a key habit she’s cultivated, shaped strongly by her athletic training. Her coach’s advice that being “on time” actually means “late” has stayed with her, fostering a preference to be early rather than rushed.

Transitioning away from competition, Ellie admits she has managed to tone down her intense competitiveness to a healthier level. While she values being driven, she’s learning to accept that not everything has to be perfect and it’s okay if she doesn’t always win. Social interaction and spending time outdoors bring her great happiness, and when facing difficult periods, she emphasizes the importance of acknowledging challenges while seeking support and finding solace in nature. Reminding herself that tough times are temporary, Ellie also recognizes the significance of setting boundaries to maintain balance amid a busy schedule that often involves travel and limited rest. On World Celebration Day, she looks forward to honouring her auntie Shirley and grandmother, acknowledging how their unwavering support, particularly at sporting events, had a profound impact on her life and career

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