New Zealand’s greatest Paralympian is hanging up her swimming cap and goggles. 

In front of friends and family in Christchurch, Dame Sophie Pascoe announced today that she won’t return to the pool - ending an unparalleled career. 

Entering her first Paralympics at Beijing in 2008 as a 15-year-old, Dame Sophie goes out having claimed 11 gold medals (19 medals in all) across four Paralympic Games. 

Dame Sophie has also won multiple World Championships with a haul of 27 medals and five medals in three Commonwealth Games. 

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

Sophie Pascoe celebrates her gold medal in the Women's 100m Freestyle S9 Swimming medal ceremony at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, during the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo / Photosport 

“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.” 

Now 32, Dame Sophie reflected on an international career that began when she was just 11. 

“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 and her husband Rob Samson welcomed a baby boy to their family last year. 

She has been named Disabled Sportsperson of the Year on six occasions at the Halberg Awards and was named Para Athlete of the Decade in 2020. 

Pascoe was also the New Zealand flagbearer at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and at the Tokyo Paralympics. 

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 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 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 and claiming numerous World Para Swimming Championship titles in addition to her Paralympic success. At Tokyo 2020 she completed a famous four-peat by claiming her fourth consecutive gold medal in the Women’s 200m Individual Medley. 

Sophie Pascoe qualifies for the 100m freestyle in world record time during the 2015 New Zealand Open Swimming Championships. Photo / Supplied 

‘True sporting great’ 

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. 

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

Dame Sophie Pascoe’s accolades 

Four-time Paralympian. 

Eleven-time Paralympic champion. 

Seven-time silver medallist at Paralympic Games. 

One-time bronze medallist at Paralympic Games. 

Five-time gold medallist at Commonwealth Games. 

New Zealand’s most decorated Paralympian. 

In 2022 Pascoe was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to swimming.