Ellie Simmonds on the one event that proved she was ‘so done’ with swimming

Britain’s five-time Paralympic swimming gold medallist Ellie Simmonds has recalled the one event that made her "so done" with the sport.

The 29-year-old, who made her presenting debut at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris this week, called time on her illustrious 15-year swimming career after missing out on a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, which was held in 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic.

But despite all the pomp and excitement surrounding this year's team of athletes, Ellie has no regrets about not being at the centre of the action.

"There are definitely no regrets," she previously told insidethegames. "Seeing the swimmers go up and down today, I am so glad that is not me.

"I was just so done after Tokyo... I don’t think I could have done it for another year, both mentally and physically.

"I was ready to retire in 2020 but due to the postponement of the Paralympic Games I had to go for another year so I could not have gone on until 2022," she explained.

"As an athlete you know when it is time hang up your goggles and for me that time was after Tokyo." Now Ellie is enjoying life as a specatator and pundit and thriving in her new broadcasting career . The Paralympics aired on Channel 4 on Thursday evening (August 29), with Ellie teaming up with Clare Balding to host the programme.

She was flooded with support from viewers, who branded her a "natural" and complimented her presenting style.

Taking to social media, one wrote: "Just tuned into #Paralympics2024 on @Channel4 and @EllieSimmonds1 is a natural presenter, enjoying hearing about the complexities of being a Paralympic swimmer. We’ve got an exciting 11 days ahead."

Another agreed: "Channel 4 coverage starting of the Paralympics. Ellie Simmonds. Isn’t she just a little ray of sunshine. And she’s clearly been working on her presenting skills. Also Ade Adepitan. Crushing it!"

Ellie has achondroplasia - a common cause of dwarfism. She came to prominence when she made her debut in Beijing 2012, winning two gold medals for Team GB despite being its youngest member, before winning three more golds, two bronzes and a silver at London 2012 and Rio 2016.