The first eight track and field athletes selected to the 2024 Australian Paralympic Team have been announced today, with four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist Madison de Rozario OAM leading the charge for the team.

A two-time gold medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, de Rozario, alongside James Turner and Vanessa Low form the experienced nucleus of the squad.

Rounding out the group of experienced athletes is Tokyo 2020 silver medallist Michal Buran and middle-distance star Michael Roeger, who is set to contest his fifth Paralympic Games.

They will be joined by Angus Hincksman, Mali Lovell and Reece Langdon who will all make their Paralympic debut in Paris.

Lovell said she couldn’t wait to share the news with her parents.

“They knew that I could get there, it’s great, I’m just so excited at this point,” she said.

“My preparation has been awesome; I’ve been really consistent and getting a new PB recently was amazing.

“Athletics helps me push my boundaries and helps me build my resilience. I just love running.

“I’m really excited to see what I can achieve.”

Four-time Paralympian Roeger said he hopes Paris will be his best performance yet.

“I think a young Michael, looking back at his first one in Beijing 2008, would never have thought he’d be going to five games,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot over the last three years since the last games, going to Tokyo was tough. So, we’ve taken on those learnings, and for me now, less is more.

“I just have to remember that and be patient, just be happy and healthy and then I’m going to be hard to beat in Paris.”

As a veteran of the team, Roeger’s best advice to the newcomers is to be relaxed heading into the Games.

“Enjoy it, be proud to wear the green and gold because not many people get that opportunity and you never know when it’s going to be your last one, so take it all in.”

Further team selections will be made in the coming months ahead of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

With thanks to Athletics Australia and the Paralympics Australia