New Zealand's most decorated Paralympian will be back in the pool next week, competing in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Dame Sophie Pascoe is part of a 12-strong swim team for the Games
“I’m really excited to see what we can do, it’s a super strong swim team this year including us four Para-athletes,” said Dame Sophie.
“We’re continuing to make progress every year and I think we’ll see some real damage done by our team in the pool, it’s going to be a good watch.”
Birmingham 2022 will be the third Commonwealth Games for Pascoe, who picked up two gold medals at Glasgow 2014 and Gold Coast 2018.
Dame Sophie will only contest one event in Birmingham, something the Christchurch swimmer is looking forward to.
“I’ve only got one event and it’s on the first day and then I’m done which is super exciting. Then I just get to sit in the stands and enjoy watching everyone race which is unusual for me because I normally have a few events so often end up missing my teammates races. It’s going to be fun to get to soak it all up for a change.”
2022 has been a year of change for Dame Sophie with the 29-year-old parting ways with long-time coach Roly Crichton.
She since been working with Brett Naylor but, with Naylor not travelling to the Games, she won't have a personal coach on hand.
“It's going to be different but I have been swimming a long time now and can take control of myself and my programme. It’s a new challenge but it’s driving me on and I’m happy to step up.”
Dame Sophie was New Zealand Team flagbearer at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games which were New Zealand’s most successful ever away Games. She will be in action in Birmingham on July 29th with coverage available on Sky Sport.