Ellie Simmonds wins gold in world record
Britain's Ellie Simmonds swam the race of her life to set a new world record and retain her S6 400m freestyle title.
The 17-year-old set a new world best of five minutes 19.17 seconds to beat the old record by more than five seconds.
The previous record had been held by American Victoria Arlen, also 17, who was overhauled by Simmonds in the final 100m to finish second in 5:20.18.
"I just wanted to go out there and retain my title and win a gold medal," a delighted Simmonds told BBC Sport.
"My coach said I was capable of a 5:19 race but I wasn't thinking about that. I was quite nervous leading into it because Victoria has been in such good form leading into the Games."
Arlen had broken Simmonds's world records in the 100 and 400m freestyle at the US trials in June, but earlier this week she was told she was ineligible to compete at the Paralympics.
After appealing, she was told she could take part at the Aquatics Centre, but her performances would be monitored and she could still be disqualified.
However, after Saturday's 400m heats, the International Paralympic Committee said that Arlen would be able to keep her S6 classification until August 2013 although she will be assessed when she competes in her breaststroke event later in the week.
Simmonds had set a new Paralympic and European record of 5:24.64 in the heats but the 17,000-capacity crowd at the Aquatics Centre wanted more and roared her all the way.
Arlen made the better start and still led at the 350m-mark but Simmonds, dug deep to edge ahead in the final 50m, helped on by the wall of sound from the crowd, many of whom had come especially to see the poster girl of the GB team in action.
"When I came out and there was a massive roar it gave me a massive buzz, which was really exciting and in the last 50m I gave it my all and when I touched the wall I had nothing left," she added.
"There was a lot of pressure on me and I could feel the expectation but I've had an amazing four years of training and I have trusted my coach Billy Pye all the way.
Simmonds also paid tribute to her teenage rival, who spent two years in a vegetative state after contracting a virus and had to learn to swim again.
"She is an amazing athlete and I knew I had to be on top form to beat her," she said.
" I knew she would push me to the best of my abilities and she did. It wouldn't have been an exceptional race or an exceptional time if she wasn't there and I am looking forward to racing her in the future but I am going to enjoy this moment."
Source:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/disability-sport/19448550
