Madison de Rozario’s defence of her Paralympic marathon title has ended in heartbreak, with the Australian dethroned by Swiss runner Catherine Debrunner.

De Rozario finished 4 minutes and 23 seconds behind Debrunner, who ended the Games in Paris with no fewer than six medals.

Before the marathon final on Sunday, Debrunner had won gold in the 400, 800, 1500 and 5000 meters, and silver in the 100 meters.

The 29-year-old’s dominance during the gruelling 42km race confirmed her status as a superstar of women’s wheelchair racing as she crossed the finish line at Invalides in a time of 1 hour, 41 minutes and 50 seconds.

The Swiss medallist had little trouble with her marathon rivals, leading from the front of the race on Sunday on a course that began in the northeastern suburbs of Paris.

When she reached the halfway point at the Stade de France, Debrunner had a lead of 2 minutes and 1 second.

As she headed back into town and reached the 35km stage, Debrunner had extended her lead to 4 minutes and 7 seconds.

De Rozario and American Sussanah Scaroni, who finished third, were unable to catch up with her.

Debrunner flew with ease over the cobblestones of the Champs Elysees as she rode past Le Grand Palais, back over the Seine and across the finish line at Invalides.