Sophie Pascoe

“First and foremost, it's paramount for young child to learn how to swim, and the best place for that to happen is at primary school if they've got the facilities.”

“I race six events. I specialise in butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle, and it's not impossible, but it is hard to be able to race every single race, and day after day as well.”

“I don't really take into account what the media says. People have their own opinions about what goes on, but they don't see what goes on behind the scenes with an athlete and their preparation.”

“It makes you feel like the pool is yours when you have your family there. You walk up to them and see them crying... and you know they are proud of you.”

“I'm a proud New Zealander, and I represent Paralympics New Zealand. I love what I do, and I do it because I love it. The passion is unbelievable in every race I do. I have the ambition to change things outside the pool, too.”