Jed Altschwager and Nikki Ayers made history by winning the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls event at Vaires-sur-Marne, claiming Australia's first-ever Paralympic gold medal in para-rowing.

From the outset, the pair always had one goal in mind and that was to go for ultimate glory.

They arrived in Paris as the World Champions having won the World Rowing Championships in Belgrade last year.

They will leave as the first crew to win gold in this event with the PR3 Mixed Double Sculls making its Paralympic debut this year.

Backed by coaches Christine MacLaren and Chad King, Nikki spoke on the work ethic of her team to convert world championship success into gold in Paris.

“The two things we wanted to be were undeniable and unbeatable and we showed that today. It shows that all that hard work paid off,” Ayers said.

“Super proud we can call ourselves Paralympic champions now.”

Despite leading from the early stages of the race, the pair were under constant pressure.

When an ominous mid-race push from Great Britain saw the Rowsellas lead close up with just a few hundred meters to go, the tension was higher than ever.

But the dynamic duo was just too fit, stretching the gap back out to 1.45 seconds before crossing the line as Paralympic gold medallists.

Jed was the first to commend the Britons on their charge, also admitting to the immense pressure of performing on the world stage.

“I’ve never really experienced nerves and I absolutely did today,” Altschwager said.

“This season has been incredible; GB and Germany have really turned it up.

“To be able to do this with Nikki, to be able to do it for the Australian Paralympic Team, is so special. Crossing the line, I felt every emotion at once.”