Madison de Rozario shares her inspiring journey from a young athlete to becoming one of Australia’s most accomplished Paralympians and a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusion. At just 14, Madison won her first Paralympic medal at the Beijing 2008 Games as part of the Women's T53/54 4x100m relay, marking the beginning of an extraordinary career.
Now regarded as one of Australia’s greatest athletes, Madison has achieved 20 Paralympic medals, including nine gold. She is the first Australian athlete to win four gold medals in any Para sport at the Commonwealth Games and made history again in 2021 as the first Australian woman to win the New York City Marathon. Her remarkable victories are a testament to years of dedication, training under the legendary Louise Sauvage, and her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Madison's journey to gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where she won both the 800m T53 and the marathon T54, was a defining moment. She continued to dominate the global stage, breaking world records and earning the Paralympics Australia Athlete of the Year award. As a trailblazer in her sport, she was named the Opening Ceremony flag bearer for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, alongside fellow athlete Brenden Hall.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Madison uses her platform to advocate for genuine and authentic diversity, especially for people with disabilities. Honored with the top accolade at the 2022 Australian Women in Sport Awards, she is committed to driving meaningful change beyond the realm of sports. Through her keynote speeches, Madison captivates audiences with her powerful stories of perseverance, breaking barriers, and championing inclusion, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and create a more inclusive world.
