Launceston's Alexandra Viney and her Australian crewmates made a huge statement in qualifying for the A-final of the PR3 mixed coxed four at the Paralympic Games.
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A storming final 500 metres saw the Aussie crew not only secure victory in their repechage race but record a new Paralympic-best time of 7:06.98, faster than both of Friday's heat winners.
Viney, 29, was punching the air and celebrating with ACT crewmate Nikki Ayers at Tokyo's Sea Forest Waterway after recording a time nearly 24 seconds quicker than their heat.
The Aussie crew, which also includes Thomas Birtwhistle and James Talbot, of NSW, and cox Renae Domaschenz (ACT), trailed Italy by less than a second at 500, 1000 and 1500m before a blistering finish earned victory by 1.17 seconds.
Both crews qualified for Sunday's final along with France, who promptly set a new record of 7:06.02 in the second repechage, Israel and heat winners USA and GB. The final is at 12.50pm (AEST).
Due to COVID restrictions, the Australians have had limited training time together, with the crew living in three different states.
After Viney, Launceston's Todd Hodgetts will be the next Tasmanian in action in the F20 shot put final at 8pm on Tuesday, August, 31.
Forth's Deon Kenzie follows on Saturday, September 4, in the final of the T38 1500m.
