Ross won four gold medals and helped the Australian team dominate the event at Gavirate, north of Milan. 

The three-member Australian team’s haul of six gold medals ensured it was named the most successful nation at the three-day event.

Ross won two golds with Gavin Bellis in the trunk and arms mixed double scull and two in the women’s single scull.

Ross, who was boarding a plane after 10 days in Italy when contacted, was unable to talk.

But on social media site Facebook, Ross was ecstatic with the weekend’s results. “Wow what a finish to a very big rowing regatta in Italy,” she posted.

“Never before have I raced so many times, (six races in 1.5 days) coming home with four golds and nice shiny trophy.

“Thank you so much to everyone, u know who u all are, family, friends...for all the ever on going support. I wouldn’t be where I am achieving great things without it.”

Ross, Bellis and London Paralympic silver medal winner Erik Horrie carried Australia’s hopes at the regatta, which included athletes from 17 countries.

Rowing Australia’s media and communications manager Lucy Benjamin said the team had spent 10 days at Lake Varese, near Gavirate, as part of their build-up to the world championships in August.

She said it was the start of their international season.

“Kat has done very well,” Benjamin said.

Coached by Gordon Marks at the Australian Institute of Sport, Ross will return home today.

“They have been preparing for this and now they have rowed there, they will come back and then go back to Europe later in the year ahead of the world championships in Amsterdam,” Benjamin said.