Paris is set to shine even brighter as the 2024 Paralympic Games kick off, and Channel 4 is bringing a dazzling array of talent to cover the action-packed events. The line-up includes veteran sports anchor Clare Balding , Paralympics hero Ade Adepitan, ex-racing driver Billy Monger, and TikTok sensation Fats Timbo, all ready to deliver over 1,300 hours of live sporting triumphs. Ellie Simmonds, who has clinched five gold medals, is gearing up for her first stint as a live presenter at the upcoming Games.
Reflecting on her journey, Ellie shared, "I remember watching Athens 2004, because before that I didn't know there was disabled sport," revealing how the event was a turning point for her after she saw athletes she could relate to. "I saw people like myself and thought, 'There's a thing out there for me. I can do something.
' I found my first disabled gala and then got selected. It's life-changing for so many people." Now 29, Ellie is thrilled about her new role following her experience on ITV's Lorraine as a correspondent.
She expressed her excitement, saying, "I don't know if you've noticed, but I love talking. I could talk for England and I'm getting to talk about the sport I love every single day." Former Royal Marine and broadcaster JJ Chalmers, who's hosted Olympics broadcasts for the BBC and is prepping for his third Paralympics gig, admits he thrives on the buzz of live TV.
"I've done it long enough now that I need those nerves to bring me to the best of my performance.