Paralympic swimming sensation Eleanor Simmonds is set to visit a Walsall museum – to see a special exhibition celebrating her success. Ellie, who hails from Aldridge, won two gold medals in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, in the 100m and 400m freestyle swimming events. She also set a new world record in the 400m freestyle. At just 13, she was the youngest ever individual gold medallist in the Olympics, and Paralympics. Last December, Ellie was honoured with the BBC television Young Sports Personality of the Year award, becoming the first disabled athlete to win the accolade. And she received an MBE from the Queen in the New Years Honours List, the youngest person, and the first minor, to receive the honour. Ellie will visit Walsall Museum on July 18 to chat to visitors, and sign autographs. The museum is currently hosting a small display celebrating Ellie’s achievements, the exhibition includes photographs, newspaper cutting, medals, awards, items of sports kit, and mementoes presented to the athlete in Beijing. Jennifer Thomson, Walsall Museum’s community history curator, said: “We are all very proud of Eleanor’s achievements, and wanted to set aside a display in recognition of her success. “This is a unique chance to meet Eleanor, who will be at the museum to chat to visitors about her swimming career. “She is a superb athlete, and an excellent role model for young people everywhere.” | 
