Aussie wins medal in race marred by dramatic crash

In a three-way battle and gunning for a spot on the podium at the Paris Paralympics, Australia’s Madison de Rozario claimed bronze in the women’s T54 5000m.
The five-time Paralympian held Swiss athletes Patricia Eachus and Manuela Schaer in hot pursuit as she stormed home over the finish line.
De Rozario’s pursuit got off to a dramatic start in the final with officials restarting the race due to an early crash.
FOLLOW LIVE: All the updates from day three at the Paris 2024 Paralympics Games
READ MORE: Star hockey player dies in ‘devastating’ tragedy
RECAP: NRL’s round 26 Saturday action
Eden Rainbow-Cooper of Great Britain collided with Ireland’s Shauna Bocquet heading into the first turn, with Rainbow-Cooper falling from her chair.
The incident rattled the mindsets of many competitors including de Rozario, who said the crash threw her race plan out of sync.
“[My start] really came together perfectly and then I had this bit of a shock when I heard the guns go again to call us back,” de Rozario said.
“It was a bit daunting. I wasn’t sure what that [my second start] was going to look like, but I’m happy.”
Australia’s Madison de Rozario pictured during the medal ceremony. Getty
The opening ceremony flag bearer was wearing an enormous smile as she celebrated picking up bronze.
“It was so elusive,” she said.
“I was fourth when I first raced it, down to fifth in Tokyo, and it was one of the worst races of my career.
“I’m glad to get on the podium.
“It’s one of my favourite events.”
Watch every moment, every medal of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
De Rozario won silver in the 800m at Rio 2016, bronze in the 1500m at Tokyo 2020, and gold in the 800m and marathon in Japan.
Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner produced a near-perfect race to take home gold, while USA’s Susannah Scaroni crossed in second.
De Rozario’s focus will now shift to the 1500m on Tuesday, before the marathon event on Sunday.
Help Australia’s para-athletes chase their sporting dreams! Click here to donate.