Madison de Rozario makes history as first Australian woman to win Paralympic marathon gold

WAIS graduate Madison de Rozario has become the first Australian woman to win Paralympic marathon gold, with a stunning win in the T54.

“Its the greatest thing I have done in my life,” a lost for words de Rozario said.

“I didn’t think that would be the result going in. I was a little intimidated doing another race on the road in Tokyo, particularly in the rain, the last time I raced here I didn’t finish the race at all, I had to pull out so its a different story.”

American Susannah Scaroni held more than a minute lead with the rest of the field thinking they were racing for silver.

“We caught her at around maybe 4km to go or something, really close to the end and then there is a hill at the end that I was dreading that thankfully worked out in my favour.

In a close finish de Rozario’s speed was too quick as she raced to the line ahead of Manuela Schaer (SUI) and Nikita den Boer (NED).

De Rozario’s marathon gold completes a three medal haul from four events, after wshe won gold on the track in the 800m and bronze in the 1500m.