The 19-year-old from Canterbury, who lost her left leg below the knee in a lawn-mower accident when she was just two, became one of New Zealand's biggest stars at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics where she took three gold medals and a silver.

Pascoe (pictured above) is joined on the team by another Beijing 2008 swimming champion in the form of Cameron Leslie, who claimed Paralympic gold in the men's 150 metre individual medley SM4 category.

"This group of athletes now has the opportunity to create New Zealand sporting history at the biggest Paralympic Games ever," said Paralympics New Zealand chief executive Fiona Allan.

"This is an outstanding group of athletes and we are very proud that 10 out of 26 have come through Xcellerate 2 Xcellence, our talent development programme."

Another swimmer named in the team, Nikita Howarth, will make history at London 2012 as the 13-year-old becomes the youngest ever New Zealand Paralympian to attend the Games.

"I was very excited to hear that I had been selected for the team and I hope to win a medal in the 200m individual medley and make the finals for my other two races," she said.

"This is my first Paralympics of hopefully many more to come."

In athletics, Tim Prendergast will be the most likely medal contender as the experienced T13 middle distance runner won gold in the 800m at Athens 2004, as well as two silver medals at Sydney 2000.

London 2012 will also see New Zealand sailors at the Paralympics for the first time since Sydney 2000.


Jan Apel, Tim Dempsey (pictured above, left and right) and Paul Francis are the three sailors to be named for London 2012, where they will be hoping to win New Zealand's first ever Paralympic medal in the sport.

"It's a real honour to be representing New Zealand at the Paralympic Games in sailing," Francis said.

"To be surrounded by so many inspirational athletes is really great.

"The sailing team is looking forward to rewarding the selectors and providing a platform for the future."

In total, New Zealand will compete in the seven Paralympic sports of athletics, cycling, equestrian, rowing sailing, shooting and swimming at London 2012 and New Zealand Paralympic team Chef de Mission Duane Kale has high hopes for the team.

"The Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of Paralympic sport globally," he said.

"Although the team have a significant challenge ahead with our target of 18 medals, I have no doubt that our athletes will do all of New Zealand proud when they take on the world in London."

New Zealand finished 24th on the medal table at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, claiming 12 medals, including five golds.

To view the full 2012 Paralympics New Zealand team, click here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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