Golden girl Sophie Pascoe will return to Christchurch this week after claiming six medals at the London Paralympics.

The 19-year-old swimming sensation, who won three golds and three silvers in her six events, was New Zealand's flagbearer for the closing ceremony.

Pascoe, who skipped the opening ceremony to prepare for an event the next day, said the flagbearer honour was "just another reward for my success".

"Not getting to experience the opening ceremony, this will be doubly special," she said.

Pascoe's haul topped her efforts at the 2008 Beijing Games, where she won three golds and one silver.

A Paralympics New Zealand spokeswoman said the organisation could not confirm when Pascoe would arrive in Christchurch, but it was likely to be towards the end of the week.

The spokeswoman said there were no plans for a formal parade, although the athletes and support staff would be cheered when they landed in Auckland.

A Christchurch City Council spokeswoman said the council had no plans "at the moment" to hold an official welcome for the Christchurch-based Paralympians.

The 24-strong Kiwi contingent won 17 medals at the Games, up from 12 medals in 2008.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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