Radio New Zealand
Wellington, April 3, 2018
Sophie Pascoe, the country’s most decorated Paralympian, will bear Team New Zealand’s flag at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.
The announcement was made at a ceremony on the Gold Coast, where the Games are being held, in front of Pascoe’s teammates and hundreds of family, friends and support staff.
Team chef de mission Rob Waddell said Pascoe was chosen because she epitomised the values and the culture of the team and was an inspiration to all people.
“What this athlete does transcends sport and touches the hearts and emotions of every New Zealander,” he said.
An Achiever
Pascoe was just 15 when she competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, winning her first three Paralympic gold medals and a silver.
Still just 25, she is New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian and also has two Commonwealth gold medals from the 2014 Glasgow Games.
Pascoe said it was “very humbling” to be chosen.
“I was not considered as a Paralympic athlete, I was considered as just one of the athletes of the New Zealand Team so to lead that team out is very special and it’ll be a moment to remember forever,” she said.
Inclusive Events
The Commonwealth Games are in inclusive events, with para-sports being run alongside able-bodied disciplines.
Pascoe began swimming at age 7 and has been coached by Roly Crichton since she was 8.
In 2016, after Pascoe broke the record for most-decorated Paralympian at the Rio Games, Paralympic chef de mission Ben Lucas told RNZ there was more still to come.
“As an athlete in her own right, she’s certainly one of the greatest that we’ve had.”
She will have the chance to add two more medals to her haul at the Gold Coast Games, competing in the SM10 200m individual medley on 7 April and the SB9 100m breaststroke on 9 April.
Pascoe is New Zealand’s 21st Commonwealth Games flagbearer, taking up the mantle from Dame Valerie Adams.
The opening ceremony will begin at 10 pm NZT tomorrow (Wednesday).
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Photo Caption:
Sophie Pascoe
Picture courtesy: Photosport through RNZ.
