Swimmers have 16 reasons to smile

The New Zealand Para-Swimming team arrived back in the country a little heavier yesterday.

With 16 medals around their necks after a brilliant performance at the International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, the team of eight couldn’t hide their smiles as they touched down at Auckland Airport.

Sophie Pascoe scored six medals — three gold, one silver and two bronze — while teammate Nikita Howarth won two gold.

The team secured five slots for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Pictures / Jason Oxenham Triple gold medallist Sophie Pascoe (main and inset above) receives a warm welcome home. (Inset lower) is double-gold winner Nikita Howarth.