11 Sep 2019

Two more medals for NZ at World Para Swimming Champs

10:11 am on 11 September 2019
New Zealand's Tupou Neiufi claimed the Silver Medal in the Women’s 100m Backstroke S8 at the World Para Swimming Championships, London, UK. 10 September 2019. © Delly Carr / www.Photosport.nz

Tupou Neiufi (left) after claiming her silver medal Photo: © Delly Carr/Photosport 2019 Ltd

New Zealand has won two medals on day two of the World Para Swimming Championships in London.

Sophie Pascoe has won her second gold of the meet, finishing almost three seconds clear of her nearest rival in the final of the women's 100 metre backstroke S9.

Her time of 1:07.49 was just eight one hundredths of a second outside the world record she set earlier this year.

It's the nine-time Paralympic gold medallist's tenth world title.

Sophie Pascoe has won a second medal at the World Para Swimming Champs in London.

Sophie Pascoe has won a second medal at the World Para Swimming Champs in London. Photo: Photosport

Auckland teenager Tupou Neiufi then claimed silver in the women's 100 metre backstroke S8, finishing eight seconds behind the winner.

"I feel great, it was a little slower than this morning (in the heat) but otherwise I feel good in the water.

"I definitely felt nervous, but I just kept telling myself, trust the process and everything, I've done all the work, I've done all the hard yards and all I need to do is show everyone how it is."

Neiufi who usually focuses solely on the 100m Backstroke will have two more chances to show her class later in the week in the 50m Freestyle and the 200m Individual Medley.

"It's a really good feeling knowing that I can get some times through and try and work on that."

Jesse Reynolds finished sixth in the final of the men's 100 metre backstroke S9, while Celyn Edwards have finished sixth in the men's 100 metre backstroke S8.

"I can't complain with a PB in the heat and then a PB in the final," Reynolds said post-race.

"It was my first time under 105, (1 minute 5 seconds) so I'm really happy with the time, my placing isn't quite where I want it to be and there's definitely more in it for me, but hey, we I'll come back again next year and have a look."

Hamish McLean failed to qualify for the final of the men's 100 m Freestyle S6.