De Rozario made her Paralympic debut at the age of 14 during the 2008 Beijing Games. She was the youngest Australian athlete to compete at that event. Her participation came unexpectedly when she replaced a teammate who had to withdraw. This experience helped her perform without pressure, focusing on personal competition.

Injuries and Comebacks

In 2009, de Rozario underwent major surgery but returned to competition soon after. However, she faced another setback in 2014 when she developed deep vein thrombosis while flying to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This prevented her from competing, but she made a strong comeback in January 2015.

Memorable Moments

One of de Rozario's most memorable achievements was winning gold in the women's T53 800m at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. This victory alleviated her long-standing fear of retiring without a gold medal. She also became the first Australian athlete to win four career gold medals in any Para sport at the Commonwealth Games by clinching victory in the women's T53/54 1500m at the 2022 Games in Birmingham.

Influences and Philosophy

De Rozario credits her family as her biggest influence and looks up to Australian wheelchair racers Louise Sauvage and Angie Ballard as her heroes. Her personal coach since 2008 has been Louise Sauvage. De Rozario emphasises that being a Para athlete is not an alternative but its own set of sports.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, de Rozario has received numerous accolades. In 2022, she was named Athlete of the Year at the Australian Women in Sport Awards and awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). She was also named the 2020 Paralympian of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year at the Paralympics Australia Awards.

Recent Developments

In July 2024, de Rozario and swimmer Brenden Hall were named flag bearers for Australia for the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympic Games. This honour adds to her long list of achievements and recognitions.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, de Rozario aims to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Her dedication and resilience continue to inspire many within and beyond the sports community.

Additional Information

In 2020, de Rozario was featured in Barbie's 'Shero' series with a personalised doll designed in her honour. This initiative aimed to celebrate female athletes and promote visibility for diverse role models.

De Rozario's journey from a young athlete to a celebrated Paralympian showcases her determination and commitment to excellence. Her story continues to inspire many aspiring athletes worldwide.