Sport

Dame Sophie Pascoe announces birth of first child

11:48 am on 11 April 2024

Dame Sophie Pascoe posted an image on Instagram to announce the birth of her first child. Photo: Sophie Pascoe

The Paralympic medal winner and husband Rob Samson shared an image on Instagram.

"It's been the best few weeks already with our baby boy, We are just so in love!", she said.

Sophie Pascoe with one of two gold medals she won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Dame Sophie has represented New Zealand at four Paralympic Games and two Commonwealth Games, winning a total of 11 Paralympic gold medals.

She is New Zealand's most decorated paralympian.

In 2022 she was made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to swimming in the New Year's honours list.

Sophie Pascoe wins gold in the 100m freestyle at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Photo: Photosport / Matthew Impey

She made her international debut when she was only 13, and at 15 won three golds and one silver at the 2008 Beijing ParalympicGames.

Dame Sophie has also been named disabled sportsperson of the year on six occasions at the Halberg Awards and was named para athlete of the decade in 2020.