Sport / Life And Society

'Mandarin mousse and pavlova' - Sophie Pascoe's nan ready to celebrate Tokyo medals

17:51 pm on 26 August 2021

Legendary paralympian Sophie Pascoe has eased her way into medal contention in Tokyo, after placing second in the 100 metre SB8 breaststroke heat.

Pascoe is chasing her 10th gold medal, as she competes in her fourth Paralympics.

Watching on in lockdown as she raced today was her very proud Nan, Yvonne Goodman.

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She said all the family has been together on FaceTime today, cheering Sophie on as she races at the Tokyo Paralympics.

"All the family cheering her on, but oh my gosh what a close race that was. So exciting… We were shouting and cheering, it was so wonderful to see her race again. It's just unbelievable that Tokyo's come around and they're all there. It's so wonderful for them all."

She thinks there are high chances Sophie will get a medal tonight.

"Knowing Sophie she might have held back a wee bit… I know whatever happens she'll be doing her very best for all of us, for her country and for herself, for all our friends and family."

She said she thinks it will be a wonderful Games.

"I know she's in really good form. She's so happy. I've just had a text from her. I said what a close race it was, and wishing her all the best. She said, "Nan, I feel good. It felt good."

She said the athletes have had a tough year with lockdowns and closed borders keeping them from competing and making training more difficult.

But Yvonne said Sophie has been helped through the difficulties especially with the support of her partner Rob Samson.

"I think through him, it's got her to the Games. We're also thankful to Rob for what he has done for Sophie. It's taken a lot off our shoulders, because she was not in a good place and he just came into her life at the right time.

"And I know who's going to be there for her when she comes home. It'll be an exciting time for both of them, I know they'll be missing each other."

Yvonne said she does not do much of the cooking anymore, but Sophie's dad will have a roast ready for them to celebrate together.

"Gary will be putting on a leg of lamb or two legs of lamb for Sophie and we'll all be together again. That would be so wonderful.

"And her favourite dessert - mandarin mousse and pavlova."