A number of priceless possessions were taken from the 29-year-old, including Paralympic memorabilia Leitner hoped to pass onto her children.

Leitner competes in the T52 100 and 200 metres, and has participated at Paralympic Games in Sydney in 2000, Beijing 2008 and London.

"I couldn't imagine breaking into someone's house, taking stuff they worked so hard to earn," Leitner was quoted as saying by EyeWitness News.

"It's stuff that I could pass down when I have kids and they can be proud of me and be happy...now I can't."

Her mother Sandy Kipp added that she was "heartbroken" that someone could have stolen such items from her daughter.

The burglars are said to have jumped over a fence and kicked in Leitner's door, and police believe those who broke in were previously known to the athlete.

Leitner previously gave shelter to a former addict who is reported to be a possible suspect.

The athlete finished fifth and seventh in her two races at London 2012, and is gearing up to begin training for Rio de Janeiro in four years' time.

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