Paralympic champion Ellie Robinson retires from swimming

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Paralympic champion Ellie Robinson has announced her retirement from swimming.

Robinson was a Paralympic gold and bronze medallist at the Rio Games at the age of 15.

In Tokyo this year she finished fifth in the butterfly final and provided a memorable poolside interview when she spoke of the ongoing hip problem she had to overcome just to compete.

In a statement from British Swimming the 20-year-old said: “Where do I begin? How about I just say swimming, you’ve served me well.

“Although your door may be closing, it will never be locked. I will forever be peering through to admire the beauty behind you.

“We’ve not always got on well. We’ve clashed countless times – but swimming, I can happily extend a hand and say ‘thank you. It was all part of your plan in the end. I should have never doubted you’.”

British Para-Swimming national performance director Chris Furber said: “It has been a pleasure to play a part in Ellie’s career over the past six years and watch on at all she has achieved, beginning with a British record-setting display at the National Paralympic Day event in London back in 2015.

“There is no doubt that, through her performances at two Paralympic Games and other major international competition, she has helped to promote para-swimming and also raise the profile of para-sport more generally.

“We wish her every success for the future and look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for Ellie Robinson.”