Shaun Easthope is a New Zealand Paralympic swimmer. He is notable for representing his country at three consecutive Summer Paralympic Games: Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio de Janeiro 2016. He competes in the S10, SB9, and SM10 classifications, primarily focusing on breaststroke, backstroke, and individual medley events.
Easthope's journey into para-swimming followed a spinal cord injury he sustained during his teenage years. He subsequently dedicated himself to the sport, becoming a prominent athlete within the New Zealand Paralympic team.
His international career began with his selection for the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. There, he competed in several events, achieving his highest finish of 7th in the 100m breaststroke SB9. He also participated in the 100m freestyle S10, 400m freestyle S10, 50m freestyle S10, 100m backstroke S10, and 200m individual medley SM10.
Easthope continued his Paralympic journey at the 2012 London Games, where he again reached the final of the 100m breaststroke SB9, placing 6th. His events at London also included the 100m butterfly S10, 100m backstroke S10, 200m individual medley SM10, 50m freestyle S10, and 100m freestyle S10.
His third and final Paralympic appearance was at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. In Rio, Easthope once more qualified for the 100m breaststroke SB9 final, securing a 6th-place finish. He also competed in the 200m individual medley SM10 and the 100m backstroke S10. Throughout his career, Easthope has been recognized for his consistent performance and commitment to para-sport.