At the start of this year Dame Sophie Pascoe, New Zealand's greatest ever Paralympian, announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

At the ParaFed Canterbury Awards Function we acknowledged her retirement and celebrated her achievements with a special presentation.

Dame Sophie Pascoe is one of the most iconic names in New Zealand sport. ParaFed Canterbury is so proud to call her one of our own.

Sophie is New Zealand’s most decorated and successful New Zealand Paralympian, winning 19 medals. She is a multiple world champion and world record holder. Her achievements have been a result of her dedication and commitment to being the very best athlete in the world.

She started her sporting journey when she joined ParaFed Canterbury as a 8-year-old. Sophie represented ParaFed Canterbury at National Games, was a part of our Academy, won our Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award on numerous occasions and was our inaugural Graham Condon Scholarship recipient in 2008. She has won our Sportsperson on the Year Award on a record 13 occasions.

Beyond her achievements in the pool, she is a mentor and role model to young athletes here in Canterbury and around New Zealand. Her success and attitude has raised the profile of Paralympic sport and inspired a new generation of Paralympians.

Sophie was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 and was appointed as a Dame in the 2022. She is the youngest person to be awarded this title. Her most significant achievement was becoming a wife and mother.

Congratulations Dame Sophie Pascoe.

Article added: Friday 05 December 2025