The 18-year-old from Walsall helped to light up the Aquatics Centre on the Olympic Park in Stratford as she claimed two golds, a silver and a bronze medal at London 2012 four years after winning two gold medals at Beijing 2008.

But Simmonds admitted she is already looking ahead to making the next ParalympicsGB team for the 2016 Games in Brazil.

"My long term goal is to go to Rio," Simmonds said.

"I don't really know how I will do but just to qualify would be good.

"I'm now getting back into training after London 2012 and normality is good.

"It's good to be back with the team."

On the road to Rio 2016, Simmonds' next major event will be the 2013 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Swimming Championships in Canada in August.

Simmonds is set to be one of the star attractions at the event, which will see her renew her rivalry with Victoria Arlen of the United States.


"I have got the World Championships to focus on next," Simmonds said.

"That will be great and I have got a few training camps abroad because that will be a big thing.

"There is a great rivalry between myself and Victoria Arlen so it's going to be good.

"I think I'll just train as I did for London and there is always a natural progression,"

"Every year you get older and more mature.

"My coach Billy Pye always gets me in the best possible shape."

And while Simmonds admitted it is now time to move on from London 2012, she said it is something she will always remember.

"Beijing was my first Games so I was very excited," she said.

"But being a home Games, London lived up to expectations.

"The crowd support was a big highlight for me, hearing that big roar, and London was the one that I will never forget."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

  

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