Madison de Rozario is a two-time Sydney Marathon winner, but missed last year's debut as a World Major. (Supplied)
Madison de Rozario is beaming, posing for photos and conducting interviews, in the shadows of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as she prepares for a massive moment in her career.
Originally from Perth, she is now a long-time Sydneysider, sharpening her skills as one of Australia's greatest wheelchair racers on the roads around Olympic Park under the guidance of legendary coach Louise Sauvage.
But this weekend she is hoping to tame the 42-kilometre route from North Sydney to the Opera House and win her third Sydney Marathon, but first with its status as a World Major, granted last year.
"It's quite bizarre doing a marathon through parts of Sydney that you've hung out in very different contexts," she told ABC Sport.
"Like going down Oxford Street, I'm like, I've been here, but not doing this. So it's quite a cool experience to do.
"And then on the other hand, it's such a tricky course that I dread it. Of all the majors, it's the hilliest. I find it the most difficult.
"I'm dying to race at home in Australia and Sydney, and then also I'm like 'oh, but does it have to be just the hardest 42 kilometres that we have?'"
While the picturesque course tests the toughest competitors, it is one de Rozario has conquered twice before, including most recently in 2024, days after returning from the Paris Paralympics.
"That was one of the most emotional roller coaster two weeks of my life," she said.
De Rozario carried the Australian flag at the opening ceremony at the Paris Games before learning her father had died.
She then competed in the marathon and 5,000m, winning silver and bronze respectively.
"I think it was just the way to round out the Paris Paralympics, and then Sydney Marathon is one of the most incredible … most emotional races I've ever done in my life," she said.
"And so I think that'll always be so special to me, to come into the Opera House [at the finish line] and have that moment."
The two-time Paralympic gold medallist en route to victory in the 2024 Sydney Marathon. (AAP: Steve Markham)
