Sonia_WaddellJanuary 8 - Sonia Waddell, formerly one of New Zealand's top rowers, is targetting competing at the Paralympics in London next year as a guide for cyclist Jayne Parsons.


Waddell, 37, was the country's top single sculler and competed for New Zealand at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and Athens four years later.

She retired but has since taken up cycling and today won New Zealand's road time trial near Lincoln.

But she has no plans to try to qualify for the Olympics as she wants to pilot Parsons, who is visually impaired and won a bronze medal in the time trial in the B&VI 1–3 category at the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008.

Jayne_Parsons_with_Paralympic_medal_2008On that occasion Parsons (pictured) was piloted by Annaliisa Farrell.

"When things started to go well I just decided I would see where things take me," said Waddell, the daughter of former All Black Alistair Scown.

I didn't want to close the door on any opportunities.

"I was happy with my lifestyle – with my family and business – and I've just flown under the radar.

"I'm still improving as a cyclist.

"I knew what I was capable of as a rower but it's going to take time to produce the same performances in another sport."