Paralympic Games: Ellie Simmonds beats the Blade Runner in Games poll

BRITISH swimmer Ellie Simmonds has beaten South African running star Oscar Pistorius – the “Blade Runner” – in a survey revealing which athlete the British public most wants to see win at the Paralympic Games.

The 17-year-old’s bid for gold in the 100m freestyle topped the YouGov poll of 2,000 people, with 10 per cent choosing the Walsall-born swimmer, followed by 7 per cent who picked Pistorius defending his 400m title on the track.

Simmonds, who caught the public’s imagination in Beijing four years ago when she won the 100m and 400m freestyle, said she was amazed and inspired by the level of encouragement and good wishes from members of the public.

She said: “I can hardly believe the Paralympic Games 2012 is just around the corner, and I’m completely overwhelmed by all the support and excitement that’s already brewing across the UK.

“Knowing that so many Brits are behind us is what’s going to make the event even more special,” she added.

“I can’t wait to get out there and hopefully make Britain proud.”

Tim Hollingsworth, chief executive of the British Paralympic Association, said yesterday: “It’s great to see that hosting the Paralympic Games in London this year has really made a difference to the nation’s levels of excitement and knowledge.”