Keynote SpeakersEllie Simmonds OBE is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK and global Paralympic royalty.
She first captured the nation’s heart in 2008 when, at just 13 years old, she stormed onto the Paralympic stage and won an unprecedented two gold medals. A year later, she was awarded an MBE at the age of 14, becoming the youngest ever recipient of the honour.
Across an extraordinary career spanning four Paralympic Games, Ellie secured five Paralympic gold medals and cemented her legacy as one of Britain’s most successful and beloved athletes.
Now a BAFTA-winning broadcaster, Ellie has seamlessly transitioned from elite sport to prime-time television. She remains highly in demand both on and off screen, regularly fronting some of the biggest shows on television. Her fourth prime-time documentary, Should I Have Children?, aired on ITV1, following the critical and commercial success of her deeply personal, BAFTA-winning Finding My Secret Family.
Ellie Simmonds is also a familiar presence across the UK’s major networks – appearing on Celebrity Gogglebox and Lorraine, while presenting coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics for BBC Sport and hosting at Crufts on Channel 4.
Born with achondroplasia, Ellie Simmonds has consistently used her platform to champion disability representation, challenge perceptions, and advocate for inclusion. Her voice carries authority not only because of what she has achieved, but because of how openly she shares her journey – from navigating elite sport under intense public scrutiny to exploring identity, adoption and belonging in adulthood.
Beyond broadcasting, Ellie is a passionate ocean conservationist and devoted animal lover, regularly travelling the world for campaigns and charitable initiatives in both sectors. Purpose, for her, has always extended far beyond the pool.
Ellie Simmonds – Inspirational Speaker
As an inspirational guest speaker, Ellie presents in a fireside chat format, blending warmth, humour and unfiltered honesty.
She speaks powerfully about resilience under pressure, managing expectation, reinvention after elite success, and building confidence in environments not designed for you.
Audiences leave inspired not just by what she has done, but by who she is: grounded, courageous and relentlessly authentic.
