Ellie Simmonds made history as she clocked a world record and claimed the fifth Paralympic gold medal of her career after triumphing in the 200m IM SM6 at the Rio Games.
Defending the first of two Paralympic titles won in 2012, the former Loughborough College student became the first SM6 swimmer to dip below three minutes in the 200m medley with 2:59.81 - and remains unbeaten in the event at internatonal championships since 2009.
“Last year I set a goal of being the first in my class to go under three minutes. I didn’t tell anyone, my coach or my family, and now I’ve done it,” said 21 year old Simmonds.
“To swim a personal best, get a world record and another gold medal, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I just focused on myself and didn’t think about what anyone else was doing.
“The Paralympics brings out the best in me. I love the pressure, it drives me forward and I just want to go out there and smash it.
“The team is on fire and we’ve still got five more days to go.”