Eleanor “Ellie” Robinson is a distinguished English swimmer who has made remarkable contributions to the world of para-swimming. Competing in the SB6 and S6 classifications, Robinson has set multiple world and Paralympic records, showcasing her exceptional talent from a young age. At just 13 years old, she established world records in the S6 50m butterfly and the 100m events, marking the beginning of a stellar career that would inspire many.
Robinson’s competitive journey gained momentum at the 2016 IPC Swimming European Championships, where she won four medals, including bronze in the 50m butterfly and gold in the 100m freestyle. Her outstanding performance continued at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, where she clinched the gold medal in the women’s S6 50m butterfly with a Paralympic record time of 35.58 seconds, and added a bronze in the 100m freestyle. These achievements not only highlighted her prowess in the pool but also earned her the title of BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year in 2016.
In subsequent years, Robinson continued to excel, winning gold in the women’s S7 50m butterfly at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and securing another gold at the 2018 World Para Swimming European Championships in Dublin. Her consistent performance and dedication to the sport have solidified her status as a leading figure in para-swimming.
Robinson’s contributions to swimming have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being appointed Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 for her services to the sport. After competing at the delayed 2020 Paralympics, she announced her retirement in October 2021, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for future generations of athletes.