Australian Paralympics star Madison de Rozario first Australian woman to New York marathon wheelchair event

An Aussie marathon star has continued her 2021 domination after racing to New York when borders opened.

Madison de Rozario all smiles after her victory in the New York marathon. Picture: Timothy A. Clary / AFP

Paralympics star Madison de Rozario has become the first Australian woman to win the New York marathon wheelchair event as her 2021 domination continued.

The 27-year-old, who was only able to get to New York when Australian borders opened and she reached out to officials to get in, added the title to her gold medal at this year’s Tokyo Paralympic marathon.

It also adds to de Rozario’s previous victories in the London marathon and the World Para Athletics Championships.

The West Australian turned a tight early race into a one-woman show, leading for the entire second half of the race to win in her third try at the New York event, finishing in a time of 1:51.01.

It’s been a massive year for De Rozario, who also won gold in the 800m in a Paralympic record time and bronze in the 1500 metres.

“I’ve never won a marathon like that before, and I didn’t realise how stressful it is to be out in front like that because you don’t know how close the next athlete is,” she said.

Madison De Rozario wins the New York marathon. Picture: Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

“I have raced this course before, and it’s definitely, I think, the hardest one on the circuit. I was definitely intimidated coming into it.

“We’ve done a lot of work on that kind of strength component of the training, which definitely complements this course, the climbing hills. It’s obviously a big defining factor in how this race runs.

“I didn’t think I would be able to come and race in New York either, but our border opened November 1st. So very last minute, I was able to say yes.

“So to kind of have it all come together here is really nice.”

It was the 50th edition of the New York marathon, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The full field was cut to around 30,000 runners, with efforts made to maintain distance between competitors near the start and finish lines.