Dame Sophie is New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian athlete. Pascoe made her international debut aged 13, winning a bronze medal at the IPC Swimming World Championships and appeared at her first Paralympic games in Beijing 2008 as a 15-year-old, producing stunning performances, winning 3 gold medals, 1 silver medal and a World Record.

 

Over the past decade, Sophie has firmly cemented her place as a national treasure in New Zealand. Competing all around the globe. Sophie’s highlights include 19 Paralympic medals (including 11 gold) across four Paralympic Games, 28 medals across five World Championships and 5 medals in three Commonwealth Games. She also holds numerous world records over multiple races. In 2018, Sophie was named flag-bearer and team captain at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, becoming the first para athlete to lead the New Zealand team out at a major Games.

 

Sophie, who is a below-the-knee amputee following a lawnmower accident when she was 2.5 years old, is a fierce competitor and is known for her work ethic in and out of the pool, bringing passion and humility to anything she does.

 

Sophie has been an influence in the disabled community and Paralympic movement, striving to increase Paralympic awareness not only in New Zealand but globally. She is intent on leaving a lasting legacy for others to aspire too as she has paved the way for equality in sports.

 

Sophie was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year's Honours List in 2022 for her services to swimming.

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Sources

1. Speedo