I would say that as soon as I was walking, I was running. I was that girl at school who always had an activity on every day after lessons – from running and athletics to ballet – but swimming was my main sport. I was swimming at a high level, so I was swimming twice a day, every day. That was my childhood, and people say I missed out on a lot, especially between the ages of 16 to 18 because I never went out drinking with my friends at the weekend. I was just swimming all the time, but I loved it.
Both my parents were in the police force and really into fitness. They’ve done marathons their whole lives and they’re always up in the mountains, so I guess I’ve followed in their footsteps, although we do joke that my sister [Molly-Mae Hague of Love Island fame] was swapped at birth! I always knew I wanted a fitnessrelated career, so I did think about joining the police, but it was my parents who suggested that I should consider something else.
I joined the army in 2017 at the age of 22 with the intent of being on the frontline. I wanted to be front and centre, doing what the guys did, because it’s the most active role. Sadly, the infantry wasn’t open to women at the time, so I did the next best thing, which was being on the frontline as a medic. I didn’t have any kind of medical background, so studying for the Medical Corps was tough. I didn’t love it if I’m honest, but being able to exercise every day was a good fit for me.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all
If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started.
Get lean AND FIT!
Set yourself up for success with our foolproof two-week food and fitness plan
'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"
Aged just 17, cricketer Sophie Ecclestone made her international debut for England Women. By 2020, she became the number one ranked bowler in the world a title she stills holds today. Here, she tells WF about her journey so far and her hopes to inspire the next generation of cricket stars.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...
Find sanctuary in nature with the Women’s Fitness guide to forest bathing
I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'
Eve Boggenpoel talks to Alice Liveing about her past abuse, the pressures of being a social media icon and how she turned her life around to find inner peace
FIT TECH
If you exercise without tracking it, did you exercise at all? Don’t take the risk of missing a session: strap the best running watch to your wrist with these top picks
GOLDEN GIRLS
What’s it like to win an Olympic gold medal? And what does it take to stand at the top of the podium? We asked the women who know, and find out their ones to watch’ for Paris 2024
Olympic INSIDER
Olympian-turned-broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye reports on her love of sport, who she’s excited to watch at the Paris Games and why she loves dressage...
5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Got a maxed-out to do’ list? Stay calm and collected with these food and lifestyle tips from nutritionist Rob Hobson
CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!
Creator and founder of The WalkActive App, Joanna Hall is passionate about helping you get more from your walks. Here, she shares her top tips to reap the rewards from your rambles and walk yourself fitter, healthier and happier this summer