Ellie Simmonds backs world celebration day, urges tribute to ‘Everyday Changemakers’

London: Paralympic gold medallist and broadcaster Ellie Simmonds OBE is using World Celebration Day to shine a light on the people she says often go unthanked — from family who shaped her career to strangers working to protect the planet.

World Celebration Day is a global moment to honour those who have shaped our lives for the better. Simmonds, who retired from elite swimming after five Paralympic Games, said she will be “raising a toast” this year to family members who supported her journey from the pool to broadcasting.

“Every day is different with work, but if I can have it my way, I’ll wake up at about 7.15am, make a coffee and give myself a bit of time to come round,” Simmonds said, describing her morning ritual. “I’m not someone who can just jump out of bed. I need half an hour to wake up properly, have my coffee, shower, get ready and then, if I can, I’ll go to Barry’s Bootcamp and get a good workout in before breakfast. That sets me up really well for the day.”

Beyond her personal routine, Simmonds said she feels optimistic about “the number of people who are trying to do something positive for the planet.” She pointed to a recent visit to Earthfest in London, where she attended a panel on conservation, climate change and ocean protection.

“It really struck me how many individuals are doing their bit,” she said. “It can feel like we are living in quite a negative world at the moment, but there are so many people taking small actions that add up to change, whether that’s through organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage, or through sport, which can be such a powerful way to raise awareness about the environment and ocean conservation.”