Sophie Pascoe

Sophie Pascoe is a New Zealand professional Paralympic swimmer, born on January 8, 1993, in Christchurch, New Zealand. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time. Pascoe began her professional career at a young age and has won multiple titles, including nine Paralympic gold medals.

Pascoe is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility in the pool. She has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as the most medals won by a New Zealand Paralympian.

Off the field, Pascoe is also recognized for her advocacy work for disabled athletes, making significant contributions and inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Pascoe was born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand. She started swimming at a young age and quickly demonstrated her talent in the pool. She competed in her first Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008, winning three gold medals and a silver.

London 2012 Paralympics

• At the London 2012 Paralympics, Pascoe continued her success, winning three gold medals and three silver medals. She set two world records in the process.

Rio 2016 Paralympics

• At the Rio 2016 Paralympics, Pascoe added another three gold medals and two silver medals to her collection, firmly establishing herself as one of the greatest Paralympians of all time.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympics

• At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pascoe continued to excel, winning two gold medals and one silver medal.

New Zealand National Team

• Debut: Made her debut for New Zealand at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Won a total of 19 medals, including nine gold medals, across four Paralympic Games.
• Pascoe is New Zealand's most successful Paralympian in terms of total medals won.

• Events: Primarily competes in freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly events.
• Skills: Known for her speed, strength, and versatility in the pool. Pascoe is celebrated for her technical excellence and determination.

• Early Life: Pascoe lost her leg in a lawnmower accident when she was two years old. She took up swimming as part of her rehabilitation and quickly showed a natural talent for the sport.
• Advocacy: Pascoe is an active advocate for disabled athletes and has worked to promote greater inclusivity in sport.

Sophie Pascoe is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her determination and advocacy for disabled athletes. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Medals Won by a New Zealand Paralympian:

• 19 medals, including nine golds

World Records:

• Has set multiple world records throughout her career

Books

• Pascoe, S. (2016) Stroke of Fate. Auckland: Penguin Random House New Zealand.

Websites

• Paralympics New Zealand: Information about Sophie Pascoe’s career and achievements. Available at: https://paralympics.org.nz
• New Zealand Olympic Team: Details about Pascoe’s career at the Paralympics. Available at: https://www.olympic.org.nz
• International Paralympic Committee: Official site with updates on Pascoe’s performance and records at the Paralympics. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• Stuff: Sophie Pascoe: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/116215238/sophie-pascoe-makes-history-at-world-para-swimming-championships
• The Guardian: Sophie Pascoe’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/sophie-pascoe

Interviews and Documentaries

• Sophie Pascoe: Stroke of Fate (2016): Directed by Justin Hawkes. This documentary provides a detailed look at Pascoe’s life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.