2008 has been an exciting and never to be forgotten year for Eleanor and her family.
The first quarter was spent working hard in anticipation of swimming at least one qualifying time to make the GB Paralympic swimming team.
The bulk of the next 6 months was preparing for and then taking part in her first (hopefully of many) Paralympic games, culminating with the winning of two gold medals and coming to the attention of the British media and public in a startling way.
The final quarter has felt as though there has been a veritable outpouring of awards and other tributes, all of which have come as a surprise to a young woman who is just doing what she loves to do - swim.
Being nominated for such things as the BBC Midlands Sports Personality and BBC Young Sports Personality is one thing. Making the final few has felt like reward enough, but winning has been a joyful and humbling experience especially when the stage is shared with such talents as Chris Hoy, Rebecca Adlington, Lee Pearson and many, many others.
The huge and totally unexpected honour of an MBE as part of the New Years Honours list has brought an amazing year to a marvellous finale.
In Eleanor's words “the last three months have been a whirlwind and, while feeling as though I am living in a fairy tale, I want to work hard to keep my feet on the ground and refocus my efforts on my training and my schoolwork so that by 2012 I can hopefully repay in part the wonderful accolades and affection that I have received, for which I will always remains unendingly grateful no matter what the future holds”
