Madison de Rozario battles nerves ahead of Oz Day 10km defence

SHE’S a multiple world champion, Paralympic medallist and the defending champion of the Oz Day 10km but none of that is helping quell wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario’s nerves.

Madison de Rozario on her way to victory in the Oz Day 10km last year.

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SHE’S a multiple world champion, Paralympic medallist and the defending champion of the Oz Day 10km but none of that is helping quell wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario’s nerves.

The Sydney racer has been competing on the world scene for a decade after making her Paralympic debut at just 14 in 2008.

But de Rozario says the only thing that hasn’t improved over time are her nerves before major races.

De Rozario won the Oz Day 10km last year after wins in 2012 and 2013 but said even familiarity with the world class annual event doesn’t help.

Madison de Rozario on her way to victory in the Oz Day 10km last year.

“I’m stressing already,’’ admitted de Rozario ahead of the annual Australia Day race which attracts the world’s best wheelchair racers to the tough city course at The Rocks from 9am on January 26.

“I’m better once the race starts. But until then I get really nervous.’’

De Rozario goes into the tough 10km test off two strong 1500m wins, victories over the 800m and 5000m distances at a recent meet in Canberra and in the knowledge she already has her Commonwealth Games selection sewn up.

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“It will be my first Commonwealth Games so I’m really looking forward to that,’’ said de Rosario who will race both the 1500m and marathon on the Gold Coast.

Madison de Rozario has already secured her Commonwealth Games selection.

Angie Ballard, one of de Rosario’s rivals for a hometown win at the Oz Day 10km, is still to secure her spot at the Games.

“I’m going for one of two spots left in the 1500m so the 10km will be a bit of a stretch for me,’’ she admitted.

Racers from 10 countries will be on the start line on Australia Day in the last internationally ranked wheelchair race before the Commonwealth Games.

Originally published as Madison de Rozario battles nerves ahead of Oz Day 10km defence