Imagine being just 13 years old and already making waves at the Paralympics. That is Iona Winnifrith’s reality. Iona is all set to be the youngest person on Great Britain’s Paralympic swimming team. She had a killer start to the 2024 season, winning two European Championship titles. With her eyes set on surpassing her hero, Ellie Simmonds, Iona is all set for winning a Paralympic medal in Paris.

At just 13, Ellie Simmonds dove into history at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. She won two golds in the 100m and 400m freestyle S6! Making Ellie the second youngest Brit to ever medal at the Paralympics. Iona has channeled the same energy that Simmonds did at the Beijing Games for the upcoming Games. Iona went on to say, “I’ve always looked up to Ellie Simmons with her being 13 as well when she was went to her first games. She’s also got a similar disability to me, so her and Maisie are people I particularly look up to.” The Paralympics are a whole lot more exciting for Iona, with one of her idols, Maisie, also on the Great Britain team!

Iona’s Journey is Only Just Beginning

At the age of just 13, Iona comes with an impressive record of European titles. And her journey has only just begun! What’s her next stop? The 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Iona will be seen competing in three events, including the 100m Breaststroke (SB7), 50m Butterfly (S7), and 200m Individual Medley (SM7). Her selection to the Great Britain Paralympic team will go down in history as ‘legendary’. Iona radiating confidence said, “It was just last year when I realised that I had a chance to make it to Paris. A medal would be incredible and potentially gold.” But that’s not all!

Iona has also been making waves off-pool with her Great Britain squad. She has made close bonds with 2020 Paralympic Games silver medalist Ellie Challis and two-time Paralympic gold medalist Maisie Summers-Newton. “Ellie Challis and Maisie, have been really helpful because they’ve been to Tokyo and they’re just really kind. They’ve become like sisters or friends to me when we’re away. I’ve been given advice to help with my nerves and to help with my confidence and most of the experience members of the team have particularly been really helpful. It’s just been a really nice environment to be in around everyone,” Iona added.

The Story of Iona Winnifrith

So, who is this legend in the making? Iona Winnifrith was born in Tonbridge, England. Iona comes from a family of three brothers. She first fell in love with the water watching her brothers train at the Tonbridge Swimming Club. “I was watching them when I was younger,” Iona recalls. “I got into the pool myself when I was about five and I just started swimming and found a love for it. They were very proud when I got selected and they’re all really excited for Paris.”

By the time Iona was old enough to compete, she was already flooding the headlines. At the 2024 European Championships, she came into the limelight and also walked straight into everyone’s radar with her performance. She won gold in the SB7 100m Breaststroke and SM7 200m Individual Medley. But that’s not all! She also went on to win bronze in the S7 50m Butterfly. In the gold-winning match at the Championships in the SM7 200m Individual Medley, Iona created history, clocking 3:09.76. And thereby breaking the European record!

Swimming is not all that the 13-year-old swimming prodigy enjoys! She also loved spending time with her two dogs and is also active at her local youth theater. As the Paris Paralympics approach, Iona’s excitement is palpable. She went on to say, “I’m really excited for Paris.” As the Paralympics are set to begin, all eyes are on Iona Winnifrith.

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