Sports Personality 2008

Simmonds was presented with her award by Ricky Hatton

Paralympic double gold medallist Eleanor Simmonds has been named the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year for 2008.

The swimmer beat off competition from Wimbledon junior winner Laura Robson and last year's award recipient, Olympic diver Tom Daley.

"I was really shocked and really happy," said the 14-year-old.

Simmonds, originally from Walsall but now based in Swansea, won gold in the 100m and 400m freestyle.

Her victory in the 100m saw her become Britain's youngest ever individual Paralympic gold medallist at the age of 13.

"It's been a fantastic year. There were some great contenders like Tom Daley and Laura Robson," she added.

606: DEBATE Give your thought on all the BBC Sports Personality awards

"This year has been the best year and I'll never forget it - I hope London 2012 will be as good.

"My life has changed since I won my medals because I get recognised when I walk in the streets or go to the shops. But I'm just Eleanor."

Simmonds, who was the youngest member of the GB team in Beijing, was born with achondroplastia or dwarfism.

Originally seen as a medal prospect for London 2012, she made her major international debut at the 2006 World Championships in South Africa but has made amazing progress since.

Earlier this month she won the Sports Personality of the Year and Young Disabled Sports Person awards at the BBC Midlands Sports Awards