Ellie Challis: Racing Pistorius Was Just the Beginning - Her Story in Paris

from a childhood race with the infamous Oscar Pistorius to becoming one of Britain's most inspiring paralympic swimmers Ellie shalice is rewriting her story as the 20-year-old quadruple amputee heads to Paris her journey is one of overcoming adversity and charting a path filled with hope resilience and Big Dreams the early years and unexpected Spotlight Ellie shalice was just five when she first made headlines racing Oscar Pistorius in 2009 Her Image racing the paralympic icon showcased a moment of Joy but four years later when pistorius's life took a dark turn Ellie became unwillingly caught in a media storm the world wanted to know how she felt about the man who once been her hero protected by her parents Ellie was shielded from the harsh scrutiny but the moment left a lasting impact section two from life-changing menitis to a future in sport Ellie's Journey started long before that race at 16 months she contracted menitis and doctors gave her just a 5% chance of survival after enduring amputations to save her life Ellie defied the odds her resilience shown as she embraced her new life with prosthetics becoming the youngest child to receive running blades swimming however would become her true calling inspired by the movie Dolphin Tale and the 2012 London in par Olympics rising star and Par Olympic swimming Ellie's hard work and dedication have paid off in Spades by 13 she was breaking British records and setting world records in the SB 250 M breast stroke in Tokyo 2021 at just 17 she made her par Olympic debut and took home a silver medal The Experience solidified her determination to achieve even greater things in Paris looking beyond the pool Beyond swimming Ellie's life is a testament to versatility from studying potty three in Manchester to snowboarding as the first British quadruple amputee she's embraced every challenge with a bright future ahead she's even considering a switch to winter sports after her swimming career Paris and the dream of gold now with her sight set on Paris Ellie is determined to claim her first par Olympic title despite being the only British swimmer in her classification S3 she's focused on inspiring other young amps her goal goes beyond medals it's about filling those lower classes with aspiring swimmers who just need a push to discover their potential Ellie shas's journey is proof that with resilience the right support and determination incredible things are possible as she prepares to shine in Paris let's cheer her on and take inspiration from her story don't forget to stay tuned to her journey as she races toward New Heights # shalis # Paris 2024 ashp Paralympics