Eleven-time Paralympic champion Sophie Pascoe retires from Para swimming
The most successful ever New Zealand Paralympian and a 17-time world champion, Pascoe says she will continue to be 'an advocate for inclusion' 30 Jan 2025
Eleven-time Paralympic champion Sophie Pascoe has announced her retirement from competitive Para swimming.
The most successful ever New Zealand Paralympian and a 17-time world champion, Pascoe shared the announcement on social media on Thursday (30 January):
“Today, It is with immense pride, deep appreciation, and humility that I officially announce my retirement from competitive swimming. This decision marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in my life one defined by perseverance, passion, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
“Wearing the silver fern and representing New Zealand on the world stage has been the greatest honour of my career. More than the medals and the records, my greatest achievement has been proving that having a disability does not define a person.
“Every medal, national record, world record and milestone has been a reflection not just of my efforts, but of the collective dedication of my family, friends, coaches, teammates, supporters, sponsors, QE11 swim club, Swimming Canterbury, Swimming New Zealand, Paralympics New Zealand, HPSNZ and last but not least the people of New Zealand.
“While the pool may no longer be my stage and my time has come to an end, my love and passion for this sport and its future will never waver. Swimming has given me a purpose, a passion, a platform, lifelong friendships. It has shaped me in ways I never imagined, and I will forever cherish the opportunities, lessons, and experiences it has given me.
“I am deeply committed to giving back to the sport that gave me so much, I will continue to be a voice of change, advocate for inclusion, inspire others, and work toward a sporting landscape where every athlete regardless of ability, has the chance to dream big, push further and re define what is possible. I look forward to championing the next generation of Kiwi athletes as they carve their own paths.
“This isn’t goodbye, it’s just the start of a new way to make a difference. I leave this sport not in sadness but on my own terms with excitement, a heart full of gratitude, incredible memories, fulfilment and appreciation for everyone who has been part of this journey.
“Thank you for standing by me on this incredible ride. I’m forever grateful to everyone for your love, support, and belief in me
“All my love from a very proud kiwi! ❤️”
𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨, 𝗦𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗘! 🥹🫶🏼
— Para Swimming (@Para_swimming) January 30, 2025
🥇 Eleven-time Paralympic champion Sophie Pascoe has announced her retirement from competitive #ParaSwimming.
🇳🇿 The most successful ever New Zealand Paralympian and a 17-time world champion, Pascoe shared the announcement on social media. pic.twitter.com/2zrk0f0J9S
In a career spanning more than two decades, Pascoe claimed 19 Paralympic medals, including 11 golds, across four Games from Beijing 2008 to Tokyo 2020. In the 2022 New Year Honours, Pascoe was promoted to Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to swimming. At age 29, she was the youngest person to be awarded the honour.
Dame Sophie underwent a below the knee amputation on her left leg following a lawnmower accident aged two. She began swimming at the age of seven and soon after was identified by Paralympians Roly Crichton and Graham Condon who were impressed by her potential and asked her to join the QEII Swim Club.
Her determination and talent quickly became evident, and she debuted on the international stage aged just 11, before competing at her first World Championships when she was 13, winning bronze in the women’s 200 individual medley at Durban 2006 in South Africa. At her first Paralympics, two years later in Beijing, she won three golds aged only 15.
The 32-year-old also competed at three Commonwealth Games winning five gold medals. Pascoe was New Zealand’s flagbearer at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Swimming New Zealand CEO Steve Johns paid tribute to Dame Sophie:
“We have been privileged to have worked with Dame Sophie for around two decades,” said Johns.
“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.”
Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke said:
“Dame Sophie Pascoe calls time on her incomparable career as a true icon who transcended the sport like few others. She is a household name thanks to her stunning achievements spanning four Paralympic Games and she also made a significant impact by changing the narrative around disability in Aotearoa New Zealand.”