‘Cheeky’ Malone will be missed

One of New Zealand’s Paralympic superstars – Sophie Pascoe – is sorry to see the other – Liam Malone – retire from sport so soon.

Following her fellow Rio Paralympics gold medallist’s retirement announcement this week, Pascoe was shocked to hear the Kiwi blade runner was finished with running at just 24.

But New Zealand’s most successful Paralympian – with nine gold and six silver swimming medals – said she supported his decision.

Paralympics New Zealand were also disappointed to see one of their best hopes for a track and field medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games retire early.

Malone’s rival from an early age and now long term friend, Pascoe said the Paralympic sports community would feel the large void left by the ‘‘cheeky’’ track athlete.

Pascoe was as surprised as anyone when she heard Malone had decided to call it quits as he has endured great success with her at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, winning both a gold and silver medal.

‘‘He can only do what is best for himself and his body so I just wish him all the best in his future endeavours.’’

Pascoe, 25, said Malone had one of the best personalities on the circuit, was intelligent and savvy, so she had no doubt he would be successful outside of running.

Malone, who was raised in Nelson, will take up a corporate job with Soul Machines. Like Malone, Pascoe battles with the motivational side of sport, but she said her passion for swimming and winning isn’t waning just yet.

‘‘It is tough. There definitely are days when it is bloody tough and sometimes you can pick yourself up out of it and sometimes you can’t and it is unfortunate that it’s come to retirement for him.’’

Malone and Pascoe were rivals on the triathlon circuit as primary school athletes.

‘‘Pascoe, she’s an absolute beast of an athlete,’’ Malone said in Rio after his 200m win.