I love being the centre of attention, says Paralympics' poster girl Simmonds

By Tom Degun at ParalympicsGB House in London

August 27 - Britain's teenage Paralympic swimming star Ellie Simmonds, who is targeting four gold medals at London 2012, revealed she has enjoyed being the poster girl of the Games despite the pressure and expectation that has come with it.

The 17-year-old from Walsall (pictured), shot to stardom at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics when she won two gold medals at the age of 13.

Since then she has been the face of the ParalympicsGB team and will be swimming in four events at London 2012 as she competes in the S6 50, 100 and 400 metres freestyle as well as the SM6 200m individual medley.

But despite many athletes finding the media scrutiny a hindrance to their preparations, Simmonds says she has welcomed it.

"I love being centre of attention and it gives me a big buzz," she said here.

"Everyone is different and everyone likes different environments but I think I respond best with that pressure and expectation.

"The whole thing just really excites me."

Simmonds said she was particularly excited today to see a giant adidas poster (pictured below) of herself on a building at Westfield Stratford City, adjacent to the Olympic Park, put up by her sponsor Adidas, which replaces a giant poster of heptathlete Jessica Ennis that was there during the Olympics.

Ellie Simmonds_poster_August_27_

"I just saw it this morning going to training and it made me laugh," she said.

"It is really exciting and having this chance to inspire people.

"But when it comes to the racing, I'm going to go out there and do the best I can.

"I've had great training throughout the winter and the best lead up so far.

"I just can't wait to race and I'm confident.

"You've got to believe in yourself and believe that you can go out there and do it.

"I'm going to give it my all.

"I'll be chuffed to bits if I can walk away with any medal.

Ellie Simmonds_LOCOG_Test_Event_for_London_2012_August_27_