Ellie Simmonds leaves Paralympics with inspiring legacy intact

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I’m leaving it at the right time, I love it, I’ve absolutely had a wonderful competition and I’ve loved every minute of it.” After coming second in her morning heat Simmonds said she would give her all in “one final race” and that is how it would prove, her final Paralympic chapter. “I can’t thank everyone enough for the support, my coach, my parents, my sister, family, everyone, for getting me to these Games and helping to get me to four Paralympics which is amazing,” she said. I could stand here for hours and thank those who have helped me.” Summers-Newton is a monument to Simmonds’s impact – but so are the countless hundreds who attend the Dwarf Sports Association, including powerlifting bronze medallist Olivia Broome and Jack Shephard, who must win his final group match on Friday morning to stand a chance of reaching the badminton semi-finals. “It was they event I’ve been focusing on all week so to come away with gold, I’m over the moon,” said Firth, who was joined on the podium by Jessica-Jane Applegate in bronze medal position.