School names pool after Paralympian Ellie Simmonds

A swimming pool at a primary school is to be named after former pupil and gold medal Paralympian Ellie Simmonds.

Staff at Cooper and Jordan C of E School in Aldridge, Walsall, said they would ask Ellie to rededicate the pool after her success at London 2012.

Ellie, 17, has won gold in the SM6 200m individual medley as well as the S6 400m freestyle.

Head teacher Robert Trawford said: "She was always a stunning swimmer and never wanted to be treated differently."

Ellie triumphed in five minutes 19.17 seconds in London to beat the world record by more than five seconds in the S6 400m freestyle.

Victory in the SM6 200m individual medley gave Ellie her fourth Paralympic title.

Mr Trawford said Ellie returned to the school after the Paralympics in Beijing four years ago to show pupils her medals.

He said: "We want Ellie to to come and rededicated the pool when her busy schedule allows.

"We're renaming it in recognition of her stunning achievements in this Paralympics and the last."