Gold for Para-Swimming at Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games

Sophie Pascoe, along with Games room-mate Lauren Boyle, enjoyed a golden double act with gold medals this morning on the final night of swimming at the Tollcross International Aquatic Centre.

This topped off a great Games for Pascoe as she easily won her second gold medal in the 200m Individual Medley SM10.  Her time of 2:27.74 was over four seconds ahead of silver medallist Australian Katherine Downie.

“I have had a limited build-up and have had some personal health issues to deal with along the way, so I’ve not been at my best this week,” Pascoe said.

“So I was really pleased and surprised to be only two seconds off my world record tonight.  It was a good swim and I wanted to go out on a good note.”

PNZ Head Swim Performance Coach Jon Shaw says, “Tonight Sophie dug deep and showed what a remarkable athlete she is. Her, and coach Roly Crichton’s goal was to win two gold medals for her Nation at the Commonwealth Games…mission accomplished. What a remarkable achievement.”  He continues, “Sophie now moves onto the next competition in Pasadena, California where she will join the rest of the NZ Para-Swim team to compete in the Pan Pacific Para-Swimming Championships from 6 – 10 August. I have no doubt Sophie will swim to her usual high standards and have a positive impact on the team””

15 year old Nikita Howarth placed 5^th in the 100m Freestyle S8 and 7^th in the 100m Breaststroke SB9.

Jon Shaw said, “Nikita put in a great effort on the World stage. She has been working hard on some technique changes that will carry her forward into other international competitions this year and also towards 2016. She is gaining great experience as part of the NZ Commonwealth Games Swim Team.”

Nikita will also join the NZ Para-Swimming team in Pasadena for her next competition.

NZ Para-Swimmers results: