- Dame Sophie Pascoe has announced her retirement from competitive swimming
- She is New Zealand's most successful Paralympian athlete, winning 11 gold, seven silver and one bronze medal
- The 32-year old said motherhood was the big reason behind her decision
The outgoing Dame Sophie Pascoe says her desire to be a devoted mother was a major reason as to why she has called time on her glittering career.
The country's most decorated Paralympian, and one of the greatest athletes to come from these shores, announced her retirement from competitive swimming on Thursday.
It brings the curtain down on a career spanning almost 20 years, a tenure that saw her accumulate a total 19 Paralympic medals, including 11 gold.
Dame Sophie Pascoe announces her retirement to media in Christchurch today. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The 32-year-old's competitive trek dates back to her early teens and also includes 17 world titles and five Commonwealth Game gold medals.
Pascoe confirmed on social media last April that she had given birth to her first child.
Following an announcement at Christchurch's Jellie Park, Pascoe told RNZ she wanted to be present during her son's first years of life.
"Starting a family and a life for me, I really want to be there," she said.
"I love being a mum, I've really enjoyed this past year and it's just been amazing to watch him grow.
"He sees me as mum, he doesn't see me as Sophie Pascoe with all these medals."
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Pascoe did not compete at last year's Paris Games following the birth of her son, however she did not rule out a return to competitive swimming "in 2025 and beyond."
In the interim she was part of TVNZ's games coverage, an experience which proved to be a turning point.
"Sitting in that desk and being on the other side of it was a very humbling place to be," she said.
"But it made me feel really content with where I was.
"I had a different purpose then and it really cemented to me that I didn't need to be at the games."
Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Despite all that she had achieved over two decades of competition, she admitted swimming "was easy" compared to being a mother.
"It's the biggest ride that you've ever been on that challenges you in the most unique but most rewarding ways.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
Before she looked forward to the next chapter, Pascoe paid tribute to the "amazing support system" that had backed her over the years.
"That goes right down to fans.
"You feel that when you race and you finish and you touch the wall and you have so much love behind you.
"That's been the biggest motivator and why I've been able to go consecutive Paralympic games and that I do have that support."
"To have New Zealand behind the paralympic movement is hugely humbling and important to me."
Pascoe had represented New Zealand at four Paralympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and three Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022).
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.
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