Four-time Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds admitted yesterday that she has had to rein herself in as the years take their toll — but she is keen to continue swimming for the long term.

Simmonds has been named in an 18-strong Great Britain squad for the IPC World Championships, which take place in Glasgow’s Tollcross pool on July 13-19.

The 20-year-old hopes to take part in five events — three freestyle, the 100 metres breaststroke and the 200m individual medley — but she would rather do even more.

Simmonds, who will be competing in her fourth World Championships, said: “It’s quite a busy schedule but it’s a seven-day competition so I will get a few days off where I can relax.

“But it’s great to be able to do five and have the variety. I think I’d be bored just doing one event so it’s nice to have a variety. They are all totally different so it’s exciting.

“I’m a lot older now so my body tires out more. I’m more fatigued. At 13 you are just a kid and you’ve got so much energy that you can do anything. With five events, I can fully focus on them.

“I’m 20 now and I have to see the physio more, my muscles tire out, I get more stiff. It’s a shame but it comes with age. I made my first World Championships team at 12.

“We have legends on the team like Sascha Kindred, who has been on the team for 20 years. He has been to loads of World Championships. I will take each year as it comes and see how it goes. I would like to go to Rio and Tokyo (Olympics), that would be great.”

Simmonds admits handling the pressure of the London Olympics in 2012 — when she won four medals including two gold - has set her up to be able to approach the Glasgow event with confidence.

And she added: “I always try and enjoy it. That’s the main aim because if you don’t have fun there’s no point in doing it.

“This is what I love to do, I love to swim. So I’m just going to go out there and enjoy myself.

“But there is still pressure on me to perform. I’m still reigning world champion and I need to go out there and defend my title.”

Simmonds admitted she had to be on top form in Glasgow at the weekend to secure her qualification and national performance director Chris Furber explained the thinking behind setting the bar so high.

“The team we have selected is strong and reflects the goal of the competition which is to win gold medals and qualifying slots for Rio,” Furber said.