PARALYMPIC gold medal-winning swimmer Ellie Simmonds has returned to her training ground in Swansea to inspire the next generation of sportsmen and women.
The 18-year-old lives and trains in Swansea and yesterday met with a group of 20 disabled and able bodied 9 to 14-year-olds at the Wales National Pool in the city, the day after she was named in the shortlist of 12 for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.
She has been training in Swansea since she was 11 and works hard with her Neath-based trainer Billy Pye, who himself was recently named Sport Wales Coach of the Year for 2012.
Before taking to the water with the youngsters in Swansea, the double gold medal-winning star said: "This year has been great for British sport in general with the Olympics and Paralympics.
"Having a home games, the support we had was incredible. The roar of the crowds gave us such a big buzz.
"Personally it helped me to give that extra bit knowing I had the big support behind me."
The swimmer is also an ex-Olchfa Comprehensive School pupil and said: "Swansea is one of my homes.
"It is a great place and I love where I live.
"Having master classes like this keeps the legacy of the games going for the future.
"I have got lots of friends out of swimming and there's lots of positives.
"My parents took me swimming at an early age."
The Paralympian is now looking forward to the swimming world championships in Canada in August next year.
Of her shortlisting for the prestigious BBC award, she said: "Personally it feels such a huge honour.
"I wasn't expecting it.
"This year has been such a good one for British sport.
"To be recognised is just a tremendous honour. It is going to be a great night, I feel very lucky."
Swimmer Liam Walsh was among the youngsters who attended the master class.
The 13-year-old from Cardiff said: "I watched nearly all the swimming over the summer and felt very proud."
Ben Johnson-Rolfe from Newtown also took part and said: "I just enjoy swimming more than anything else."
Nine-year-old Molly Hopkins from Abercrave was there and said: "I would love to become a medallist."
Voting for the BBC award begins during the live show on Sunday, December 16, at the end of which the winner and two runners-up will be named.
