Madison de Rozario opens up tragedy that rocked her on eve of Paris Paralympics

A raw and honest Madison de Rozario has opened up on the tragedy that rocked her Paralympics, after being informed the morning after the opening ceremony that her father had died.

Madison de Rozario’s Paralympic Games preparation was turned upside down the morning after the opening ceremony, after she was informed of her father’s death.

After the proudest moment of her legendary career, carrying the Australian flag, de Rozario was informed Roy had died a day earlier.

A raw and honest 30-year-old broke the news to the media following her silver medal in the women’s marathon on Sunday afternoon.

Having thought about returning home, de Rozario said her sisters had supported the decision to remain in Paris where her mum was in attendance.

“I think the person I am, I do credit a lot to him. We grew up as a very close family,” she said.

Madison de Rozario celebrates after winning silver in the women's marathon T54. Picture: Getty Images

“Growing up, he was incredibly influential and, and I think as you grow up, you start to realise what parts of yourself are your parents.

“As a young adult, you find the good and bad things that remind you of yourself and your dad and you resent them a little bit.

“It was a complicated relationship and I think being able to look at it quite clearly a lot of the good things of who I am as a person and athlete have come from him.”

She revealed she had broken down in tears just moments before the 5000m heats.

Pre-race, de Rozario always hugs coach and Australian legend Louise Sauvage but at that moment she let her emotions out.

“I think it really hit when the stress of the racing all got on,” she said.

Madison de Rozario’s Paralympic Games preparation was turned upside down the morning after the opening ceremony. Picture: Getty Images

“My team has been incredibly wonderful. It’s tricky to balance everything.

“If I’m not going to be in Australia with my family it turns out I’d rather be in a Paralympic Village with 160 of my best friends. For a bunch of people who had no idea the week I was having, it was 100 per cent the people I’d want to be around.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

The eighth podium finish of de Rozario’s career came on the back of another stunning performance from Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner.

The Swiss star took out the 400m, 800m, 1500m and 5000m on the track alongside a silver in the 100m.

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De Rozario described her as an ultimate competitor.

“I think having done it in Tokyo, there’s a little bit more desire to be able to cross that finish line first,” she said.

‘’These entire Games have been such an unbelievable week for her. Very early on, she had that early gap and for a little while there, we thought we could close it.

“When you realise you’re in a battle for second, it’s funny because you don’t quite have the same fight you do for first.

“You want it badly but that gold brings out that dog in you.”