Taipei Gold Rush

NZ athletes have won seven gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the 2007 IWAS World Wheelchair and Amputee Games in Taipei, Taiwan. Christchurch swimmer Sophie Pascoe topped the medal haul, winning four gold medals in the women’s 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley. Cameron Leslie of Whangarei won gold in the men’s 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle and150m individual medley, as well as silver in the 50m freestyle. Out of the pool, Wellington runner Katie Horan won bronze in the women’s 200m race and Aucklander George Taamaru won bronze in powerlifting. “This is a fantastic result one year out from the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games,” said Paralympics NZ acting CEO Fiona Allan. “All athletes have been preparing hard for these World Games and will be extremely pleased with their results.”