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Paralympic swim star selected for Games

08:09 Mon Jul 2 2012
AAP

Beijing Paralympic triple gold medalist Sophie Pascoe heads the final 14 athletes added to the New Zealand team to contest the London Paralympics.

The 19-year-old swimmer won gold in the 100m backstroke and breaststroke, as well as the 200m individual medley four years ago.

She is one of eight swimmers named on Monday, including Beijing silver medalist in the 100m breaststroke Daniel Sharp and 150m individual medley gold medalist Cameron Leslie.

Three athletes and three sailors were also added, making a total of 26 athletes.

Chef de mission Duane Kale says the team faces a significant challenge in reaching its target of 18 medals from the London Games, with over 600 athletes from around the world contesting the Paralympics.

The Games run from August 29 until September 9.

The New Zealand team is:

Athletics: Holly Robinson, Tim Prendergast, Peter Martin.

Sailing: Tim Dempsey, Jan Apel, Paul Francis.

Swimming: Sophie Pascoe, Nikita Howarth, Daniel Sharp, Cameron Leslie, Aine Kely-Costello, Mary Fisher, Rebecca Dubber, Daniel Holt.

Cycling: Jayne Parsons and Kylie Young (pilot), Phillipa Gray and Laura Thompson (pilot), Fiona Southorn, Susan Reid, Nathan Smith, Chris Ross.

Equestrian: Anthea Gunner Rachel Stock.

Rowing: Danny McBride.

Shooting: Michael Johnson.

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