Paralympic rowing duo take home incredible gold medal

The incredible rowing duo Nikki Ayers and Jed Altschwager won Australia’s first-ever gold medal in the Paralympic rowing on Sunday.

Defending world champions and world record holders, the pair successfully competed in the PR3 mixed double sculls which was the first time the event had been held in the Paralympics.

Ayers and Altschwager finished in 7:26:74 ahead of Great Britain (7:28:19) in second and Germany (7:28:31) in third place.

After an incredible victory marking a significant moment in Australian sport history, Ayers spoke to reporters about how much this event meant to her.

“It’s hurting right now, but it was totally worth it,” Ayers told reporters.

“It (the medal) is a symbol of hope and never giving up on your dreams. For every person out there with a disability, male, female, everyone, never give up and keep striving for your dreams and it’ll come true.”