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Search forGolden girl Ellie up for national TV sport honour
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 08:00
The teenage swimming sensation, who won two gold medals at the Beijing Paralympics, now finds herself on the shortlist for the BBC's Young Sports Personality of the Year award.
Speaking to the Advertiser as she travelled to a training session this week, Ellie, 14, said: "I am really happy to be nominated in the top ten.
"I will know if I am in the top three and going to the presentation on Tuesday.
"I am really excited and hoping I will get through, but there is some very tough competition."
Ellie described life as 'hectic' since returning from Beijing, but said she has been enjoying her new celebrity status.
"I have been recognised a lot," she said.
"In the street and when I have been out in town but I have enjoyed it."
Ellie now spends her weekdays living in Swansea where she trains with the British Olympic squad, returning to her Aldridge home at weekends.
Proud mum, Val said: "We are absolutely delighted Ellie has made the top ten and hopeful that she will make the top three.
"It has been manic the past few months and a bit surreal a lot of the time; I have to keep reminding myself it is really happening.
"We were in Beijing with Ellie and got to experience lots of things we wouldn't normally have done.
"The whole family is very proud of her, there have been quite a few tears shed."
This Saturday Ellie will be reunited with her home club of Boldmere when she takes part in the club's Open Meet at Stetchford.
"I am looking forward to seeing all my friends who I haven't seen since I have been back," she said.
And the club are just as eagerly awaiting her return.
Coach Phil Littler said: "It's great to have her back.
"The nomination is wonderful news, everyone at the club is ecstatic and really proud of her.
"It is very well deserved, not just for her performance but for her personality.
"There is a lot of debate about this award – whether it is about sporting achievements or personality, but Ellie had oodles of both and she deserves it on both counts."
Ellie Simmonds with her two gold medals.
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