Madison de Rozario wins gold, silver in just 24 hours at Para-Athletics

WHEELCHAIR racer Madison de Rozario showed timing is everything as she raced off with gold and silver in a successful 24 hours at the Para-Athletics world titles in London.

Madison de Rozario of Australia crosses the finish line to win gold in the final of the womens 5000m T54 on day nine of the IPC World ParaAthletics.

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WHEELCHAIR racer Madison de Rozario showed timing is everything as she raced off with gold in a tactical 5000m T54 event and then silver in the 800m a day later at the Para-Athletics world titles in London.

The 23-year-old Paralympian came home strongly in her first event where she and US duo Amanda McGrory (12:33.64) and Chelsea McClammer (12:34.17) continually vied for dominance.

But it was de Rozario who timed her finish the best to take gold in 12:33.48.

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Madison de Rozario of Australia crosses the finish line to win gold in the final of the 5000m T54 on day nine of the IPC World ParaAthletics.

“The whole time I kept coming in and out of the lead, and I was worried I had my main lead too early in the piece,” de Rosario said.

“All the big screens around the stadium helped so I could look back and see what was happening.

“I know I need a long wind up, and with a couple of laps to go, I kicked forward and I’m so glad it worked out.’’

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Less than 24 hours later in driving rain, de Rosario raced off with a silver medal.

“Racing in the rain is not a strong point of mine but I think what got me over the line was that I was focused on running my own race, regardless of what everyone else was doing,” de Rozario said.

Madison de Rozario at the end of the 5000m event.

Wheelchair racing athlete Angie Ballard won a world silver at age 35.

“I’m so happy with silver. We’ve definitely geared my training towards the longer distance events, so my 5000m obviously benefited massively as did my 1500m. I’m sure it took away from my 800m a little but that was an incredible race.

On the final day of the World Para-Athletics games, Angie Ballard, 35, won silver in the 100m T53 final in 16.84s (-1.3).

The medal came 19 years after competing at her first World Championships.

“I feel pretty good about this championships. It’s obviously not comparable to some of my last World Championship campaigns but I think given the changes I’ve been making, this second silver today makes me realise I’m doing okay and makes me want to keep on going,” Ballard said.

Originally published as Madison de Rozario wins gold, silver in just 24 hours at Para-Athletics