Dame Sophie Pascoe calls time on golden swimming career

Dame Sophie Pascoe, New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian, has today announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

Dame Sophie, 32, leaves the sport as an 11-time Paralympic gold medallist and multiple world champion.

“Representing New Zealand in the pool has been the greatest honour of my life,” she said.

“Every medal, national record, world record and milestone has been a reflection not just of my efforts, but of the collective dedication of my coaches, teammates, family, friends, supporters and the Swimming New Zealand family.

“As I step away from the pool, I carry with me countless memories of triumph and challenge, lessons learned, and friendships forged.

“While my competitive career may have come to an end, I remain passionate about giving back to the sport that shaped me. I hope to continue inspiring future generations of swimmers and foster an inclusive environment where every athlete feels empowered to achieve their dreams.”

Dame Sophie won 19 Paralympic medals in total across four Paralympic Games from Beijing 2008 to Tokyo 2020. Last April she withdrew from the Paris Olympics, held four months later, due to the recent birth of her son.

Instrumental in raising the profile of para-sport in New Zealand and abroad, Dame Sophie underwent a below-the-knee amputation on her left leg following a lawnmower accident aged two.

She began swimming aged seven and soon after was identified by Paralympians Roly Crichton and Graham Condon who were impressed by her potential and asked her to join Christchurch’s QEII Swim Club.

She debuted on the international stage aged just 11 and competed at her first World Championships when she was 13, winning bronze in the 200IM in Durban. Her first Paralympic Games was Beijing 2008 where she won three golds aged only 15.

Since then she has cemented her status as one of the world’s best swimmers, breaking more than a dozen world records.

Dame Sophie has won seven Halberg awards and competed at three Commonwealth Games, winning five gold medals. She was the team flagbearer at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Swimming New Zealand chief executive Steve Johns said: “We have been privileged to have worked with Dame Sophie for around two decades.

“She has been a leader in and out of the water and an inspiration to athletes, young women, anyone with a disability, and to New Zealanders all around the country.

“Her sustained excellence along with her drive and determination have been second to none and she is a true sporting great.”

Dame Sophie was appointed a Dame in the 2022 New Year's Honours for her services to swimming. At the time, she was the youngest person to be awarded the title.