Visually impaired Minori Nakaoji, 33, riding in a unique wheelchair, completed the 42.195-kilometer New York City Marathon. She is the first athlete with multiple disabilities to complete a full marathon.

"The wind in New York was chilly, but I feel great," Nakaoji said after the competition.

Nakaoji lost her eyesight in her childhood because of an illness. She has been confined to a wheelchair for five years after her lower body became paralysed.

While working as a proofreader of Braille documents, she got acquainted with Dick Traum, founder of the Achilles Track Club, who has completed New York City Marathon on a pair of artificial legs.

Traum, who visited the club's Japan branch last year, presented a wheelchair-shaped bicycle to Nakaoji. She felt that it would be refreshing to feel the wind while cruising.

The organiser of New York City Marathon initially hesitated to allow her to participate for safety reasons because she has disabilities. However, Traum persuaded the organisers to accept her.

Even though one of the front wheels on the vehicle was partially damaged during the race, she completed the marathon with the help of four escort runners.

Her message to people, ”You must not give up your dream simply because it appears unrealistic.”