By 3 News Europe Correspondent Melissa Davies
Kiwi Paralympian Sophie Pascoe has defied the odds again, breaking the world record in the 200 metre individual medley twice in one day - smashing it by three seconds in the final to win New Zealand’s first gold medal in London.
Pascoe lost her left leg below the knee in a lawnmower accident when she was two, but her sporting success as a teenager has been no accident.
Now the 19 year-old is determination has paid off with her fourth Paralympic gold and a new world record of two minutes, 25 seconds.
“I didn't think I had a 25 in me so I was quite surprised, but I just wanted to go out and smash all four disciplines in that and I did - I gave it my all and that's all I can do,” says Pascoe.
While Pascoe went to rest up for her next five events, her family from Christchurch went out to celebrate in London.
“It's just incredible, out of this world, it's just great,” says her mum, Jo.
“Look out Michael Phelps,” says her dad, Gary.
But Pascoe’s nana Yvonne Goodman says there's more to Sophie than medals.
“She's been my darling, I've got other grandchildren, I love them all, but Sophie has been perhaps a little bit special in the fact that when my husband died and my other grandchildren were in Auckland she really took over his role and looked after me,” she says.
In fact, Nana Goodman has just had a heart operation, but Pascoe wanted her here so badly she paid for her to come and nana agreed.
This is a family that lets no obstacle stand in their way.
3 News