'As a presenter now have an easier job'

Swimmer and former Strictly star Ellie Simmonds chats about returning to the Paralympics on presenting duties

- REBECCA JONES

Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds is no stranger to the Games, having competed since she was 13. But this year she has returned in a very different role.

Ellie won gold twice at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games for her incredible swimming skills but now the five-time champion is swapping the podium for the mic as a presenter, leading Channel 4’s swimming coverage.

She made her hosting debut at this summer’s Olympics for Eurosport and, despite her initial nerves, Ellie, 29, is proving to be a natural at presenting, alongside sports broadcasting royalty such as Clare Balding.

Here, Ellie chats about whether we could ever see her making a splash competitively again, her advice for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing contestants and turning the big 3-0 in November.

Hi Ellie! Congratulations on your new presenting role – how were your nerves when you started?

I’ve been retired now for pretty much three years. This was the first time I’ve been to the Olympics to present and I was invited back to host some of the Paralympics for Channel 4. It’s been lovely to see the sport from a different point of view. I now have an easier job because I know athletes are nervous and feel the pressure. I just have the pressure to say the right thing while knowing people are going to be watching the Games from home, but that’s still a lot less pressure than competing. I get nervous about these things, but I think that’s just me – that’s just how my personality is. But I’m pleased to have the opportunity to talk about the Paralympics and speak with the athletes, some of whom I have been in Team GB with.

How does it feel watching from the sidelines?