The 19-year-old, who won three gold and silver at London 2012 in S9/SB10/SM10 category, also claimed the Sportswoman of the Year and sportsperson with a disability categories at the ceremony in the CBS Canterbury Arena.

She was selected ahead of McCaw, the 2011 winner after leading the All Blacks to victory in the World Cup.

He had been the favourite to retain his title after captaining the All Blacks to an unbeaten season in 2012 and becoming the first New Zealander to play in 100 winning tests.

Pascoe, who had won three gold medals at Beijing 2008, became the first sportsperson with a disability to win the Sir Richard Hadlee Trust supreme award in 2009.

The Hadlee Trust awards merged with the Sport Canterbury awards last year and Pascoe's name now follows McCaw's on the trophy.

Sophie Pascoe won six medals at London 2012, three gold and three silver

When she was two in 1995, Pascoe was accidentally run over by her father on the family ride-on lawnmower, resulting in her legs being caught under the cutter deck housing in the path of the rotating mower blades.

As a result of the accident, her left leg had to be amputated below the knee, while the rear of her right leg was left with severe scarring.

Pascoe began swimming when she was seven and has since become one of New Zealand's most popular sports personalities.

"She's just emerged as a superstar," said Sport Canterbury judging panel convenor John Campbell.

"Over a period of time, she's matured incredibly."

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