It is probably impossible to pinpoint the moment the Paralympic Games truly found their place on the Australian sporting landscape.

But — if retired journalist and ABC Sport legend Karen Tighe was forced to try — she would point to the evening of October 22, 2000.

Four days into the Sydney Paralympics, and with the Olympic colour, atmosphere, and excitement of the previous month emphatically transferred, Australia's most famous Paralympian was lining up for the final of her most anticipated event.

Louise Sauvage, who would finish her Paralympic career with nine gold medals, was favourite for the 800-metre T54 wheelchair race.

Having competed in Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996, Sauvage was already a Paralympic superstar, but the Sydney Games would make her a household name.

The 800m wa

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