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Ellie Simmonds was awarded an MBE at the age of 13 - and still holds the record for being the youngest ever recipient.

She now has an OBE, five Paralympic gold medals, eight World Championship gold medals and 10 European Championship golds under her belt.

In this interview with swimming star, author, TV presenter and just all-round lovely human being Ellie we discuss everything from her career, dwarfism and drugs, the importance of role models both in society and on the screen, her upbringing, adoption, drive, travel, what she’s been up to since retiring, favourite TV shows and more.

Follow Ellie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliesimmonds

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bszsyL4WHE0

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About The Starting Line Podcast

The Starting Line Podcast, hosted by award-winning serial entrepreneur, PR expert, and best-selling author Rich Leigh, is all about drive, ambition and curiosity.

Speaking to entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers, guests open up about positivity, success, resilience, perseverance, mistakes and more.

In series one Leigh spoke to three OBEs, one MBE, world champions, world record holders, Olympic medal winners, and multi-millionaires, alongside people giving back and supporting communities in unique and incredible ways.

Go back and enjoy series one guests including Levi Roots, James Cracknell OBE and Apprentice winner Marnie Swindells.

About me, Rich Leigh

From a turbulent childhood marred by domestic violence, addiction and crime to being named the #1 most influential PR person, my journey has been anything but conventional.

At 17, I dropped out of school. At 18, I became a father for the first time, and left the chaos of my family council house, determined to rewrite my story and break the cycle so many understandably struggle to.

By 30, I was a successful agency owner with a #1 best-selling book. We were working with some of the UK’s leading brands, entrepreneurs and celebrities, building, shaping and protecting reputations, using my influence to raise more than a million pounds for sick children.

Hosted by me, Rich Leigh, The Starting Line Podcast is your weekly dose of inspiration, featuring powerful interviews with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, philanthropists and thinkers.

Together, we explore the themes of curiosity, resilience, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of success, proving that your starting line doesn't define or limit your potential.

Listen every Monday as we discuss life's challenges with positivity, perseverance and a touch of silliness.

Follow The Starting Line on social media:

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