Wheelchair racing superstar Madison de Rozario has capped an emotion-charged few weeks with a dominant victory in the Sydney marathon.
Just days after returning home from the Paris Paralympics, the 30-year-old crossed the finish line in one hour 54 minutes 10 seconds, more than a quarter of an hour ahead of her closest challenger, fellow Australian Christie Dawes (2:09:18).
De Rozario - who also won the Sydney race in 2023 - rode an emotional rollercoaster at the Paris Paralympics.
Only hours after carrying the Australian flag at the opening ceremony, she learnt that her father Ray had died.
After debating whether to return straight home, De Rozario made the call to remain in Paris where she won silver in the marathon and bronze in the 5000m.
The elite able-bodied events at the Sydney marathon on Sunday were dominated by runners from traditional long-distance running powerhouses Kenya and Ethiopia, with both winners setting the fastest times ever recorded on Australian soil.
Brimin Misoi won the men's race in 2:06:18, well ahead of ahead of Ethiopian Chalu Gelmiso (2:08:02) and fellow Kenyan Felix Kirwa (2:08:18).
Workenesh Gurmesa (2:21:41) was a runaway winner of the women's event as she led an Ethiopian sweep of the podium positions.
Gemma Maini was the leading Australian in ninth place in 2:40:45.
The men's wheelchair race was won by Canadian Joshua Cassidy (1:38:35).
The Sydney marathon is bidding to join the World Marathon Majors series.
There were 25,000 competitors across all events, breaking the previous Australian marathon participation record of 17,000 set in the same event last year.
"We're absolutely thrilled with today's results, both on and off the course," said race director Wayne Larden.
"The record-breaking performances and the incredible turnout have truly cemented this year's event as a milestone in Australian marathon history."
