New Zealand’s medalist Sophie Pascoe will not compete in this year’s Paralympic Games.
Pascoe (31) became a baby boy richer earlier this month and will not be in action at the Games in Paris.
The elite swimmer boasts 19 medals, including 11 gold medals at four Paralympic Games. This year’s Paralympic Games take place from 28 August to 8 September.
“Although I will miss the opportunity to represent New Zealand in Paris, this decision comes as a result of the fact that I recently became a new mother and I wholeheartedly embrace this new chapter in my life,” she said in a statement said.
Pascoe said she plans to share her experience and knowledge with the New Zealand team as they prepare for the Games.
“This is not an announcement of retirement from competitive swimming, but rather I am looking ahead to possible competitions in 2025 and beyond,” she added.
After starting her Paralympic Games career with three gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, Pascoe swam first places in the freestyle and individual medley events in Tokyo three years ago.
