Ellie Simmonds vows to strike back from shock exit
Walsall's world champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds suffered a shock after failing to make the qualifying time to defender her 100m freestyle title.
The four-time Paralympic gold medallist was two seconds slower than the S6 qualifying in one minute 19.72 seconds at the British International Disability Swimming Championships yesterday.
Simmonds must now rely on a discretionary place for the 2013 World Championships in Canada in August.
The 18-year-old admitted taking time out from her training to focus on other duties has had an effect on her performance in Sheffield.
"My aim is still to go to Montreal and get the 100m freestyle back," she said after her surprise performance in Sheffield.
"Having three months out of the water, and focusing on media stuff is a great opportunity, but at the moment it's having a bit of an impact."
Simmonds, who won Paralympic silver and is European record holder in the 100m freestyle, is competing in five other events – including the 100m backstroke.
The Boldmere Swimming Club member became Great Britain's youngest Paralympic champion by winning S6 100m gold at the 2008 Beijing Games and claimed two gold medals at London 2012.
