Born: 1993 (Perth, Western Australia)
Biography:
Madison de Rozario, OAM, is an Australian Paralympic athlete and wheelchair racer specializing in middle and long-distance events. Born on November 24, 1993, in Perth, Western Australia, de Rozario has become a dominant force in wheelchair racing, representing her country at multiple Paralympic Games and other international competitions.
At the tender age of four, de Rozario was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord. This condition resulted in her reliance on a wheelchair for mobility. Despite this challenge, de Rozario developed an unwavering determination and commitment to athletics from a young age.
De Rozario made her Paralympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games at just 14 years old. There, she displayed her exceptional talent and contributed to the Australian team’s silver medal in the Women’s 4x100m T53/54 event. She also competed in the individual Women’s T54 100m and 400m races, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.
Under the guidance of former Paralympic athlete Frank Ponta and her current coach Louise Sauvage, de Rozario continued to excel in the sport. Her dedication paid off at the 2015 IPC Athletics World Championships in Doha, where she clinched her first gold medal in the Women’s 800m T54, with an impressive time of 1:53.86. She also earned a bronze medal in the Women’s 1500m T54 event, solidifying her status as a rising star in wheelchair racing.
De Rozario’s success continued at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she claimed two silver medals. She secured her first individual Paralympic medal by finishing second in the Women’s 800m T53 race. Additionally, de Rozario contributed to the Australian team’s silver medal in the Women’s 4x400m Relay T53/54 event.
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, de Rozario was awarded the Wheelchair Sports WA Sport Star of the Year in November 2016. This accolade highlighted her impact on the sporting community and her ability to inspire others through her remarkable performances.
At the 2017 World Para Athletics Championships in London, de Rozario once again showcased her talent and determination. She won the gold medal in the Women’s 5000m T54 race, demonstrating her endurance and stamina. She also secured a silver medal in the Women’s 800m T54 event and a bronze medal in the Women’s 1500m T54 race, highlighting her versatility across different distances.
De Rozario’s excellence extends beyond the World Para Athletics Championships, as she has also achieved remarkable success at the Commonwealth Games. With four gold medals to her name, de Rozario has solidified her position as one of Australia’s top athletes. Her relentless pursuit of greatness and remarkable talent have made her a true inspiration to wheelchair racers worldwide.
As of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, de Rozario has accumulated an impressive tally of medals. She boasts two gold medals, three silver medals, and a bronze medal from her appearances at the Paralympic Games. Additionally, she has earned a total of ten medals, including three gold, three silver, and four bronze, in various events at the World Para Athletics Championships.
De Rozario’s impact extends beyond the track, as she has become a role model for individuals with disabilities around the world. Her resilience in the face of adversity and dedication to her sport have showcased the immense potential of para-athletes. Through her remarkable achievements, de Rozario has challenged societal perceptions of disability and paved the way for future generations of athletes.
Awards:
– Wheelchair Sports WA Sport Star of the Year (2016)