Warrnambool-raised Kathryn Ross earns spot on 2021 Australian Paralympic rowing team

The Warrnambool-raised rower, 39, will represent Australia at the Paralympics for a fourth time - the others were 2008, 2012 and 2016 - after qualifying in Italy.

Kathryn will race alongside teammate Simon Albury in the PR2 mixed double scull.

Her proud dad Alan said it was a remarkable effort for the Beijing silver medallist after not competing in an international mixed double scull race since 2016.

Alan said his daughter, who works as a nurse in Canberra, was elated with the result. She messaged family and friends back in Australia shortly after qualifying.

"They had to come either first or second in the final," Alan told The Standard.

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"They came second, they were beaten by Italy by three seconds I believe.

"Kathryn was ecstatic because it's the first international race she's had since 2016 and with a brand new partner.

"She wasn't really confident going over because they haven't had a lot of sessions together but they did very well."

Alan, who travelled to Beijing and London to watch Kathryn compete and would've jetted to Japan in August if not for COVID-19 restrictions, said four games was a special achievement.

"We are feeling very happy about that," he said.

"Kathryn was in two minds what to do because of the lockdowns and then the Olympics were put back and with her work as a full-time nurse, it is a really big effort."

Kathryn joins Bookaar clay target shooter Penny Smith and Camperdown cyclist Grace Brown in qualifying for the Tokyo Games.

Warrnambool basketballer Nathan Sobey is part of the Australian Boomers' squad which is yet to be finalised.