Doing it for their teenage selves | Ballard and De Rozario step into leadership roles for Paris Paralympics

As the Paralympic Games fast approach, two of the country’s most esteemed para athletes will play a pivotal role in Paris, with Madison de Rozario and Angie Ballard stepping into leadership positions that highlight their status as icons of the sport.

The stalwarts of wheelchair racing will not only compete for medals, but will lead the wider Australian Paralympic Team, as reigning Paralympic champion de Rozario carries the flag at the Opening Ceremony, while soon-to-be seven-time Paralympian Ballard serves as Australian Team captain.

“It’s very cool. Often as an athlete, you put a lot of things off to focus on the immediate task at hand. You might do the little things you can as a leader and have lofty goals, but to be seen in this light and given a platform like this to lead, it’s such a privilege,” de Rozario said.

Starting off her Paralympic journey as a 14-year-old at the Beijing 2008 Games, de Rozario has seen the Paralympic movement change, conceding it was once a “special interest subject” to a mainstream event of its own, celebrated in the sports pages of newspapers across the world.

“It’s so bizarre to see your own role shift. I was 14 in Beijing, 18 in London and nobody knew who I was.  From 14 to now at 30, it’s so different.  I’m in this position where I’m able to have a real impact, and where the Paralympic movement has grown so much in Australia that I can really use my platform,” she said.

“Back then Louise (Sauvage) was the only household name we had. Today we have people from different sports, like Col Pearse (Swimming), Vanessa (Low, Athletics) and so many others. It’s unbelievable. There is so much more pride because the world tells you to be proud.

“I’m so excited for those making their debut, this is a new bench mark and the bare minimum of what it should be to be a Paralympian.”

A seasoned Paralympian with an Australian representative career spanning over two decades, Ballard has been a trailblazer not only in wheelchair racing but in disability advocacy.

Her numerous medals across multiple Paralympic Games and World Para Athletics Championships highlight her as one of the most successful athletes in the history of Australian para athletics, and her relentless pursuit of excellence has earned her the respect and admiration of both her peers and the wider sporting community.

For Ballard, the role of Team Captain extends beyond her presence on the track. Team captaincy for her is about fostering unity, motivating teammates and serving as a mentor to the rising stars of the team.

Ballard, who was announced as one of two Australian Paralympic Team captains in August last year said she would also draw upon her vast experience and personal growth as an athlete to lead the team to success.

“Leadership is looking after that 16-year-old who started a long time ago,” Ballard said, reflecting on her debut representing Australia at the 1998 World Para Athletics Championships.

“It’s not always easy to speak up and the Paralympics has been a big part of me finding a voice, so I feel obligated, in a good way, to speak up whenever I can.”

The pair have been part of each other’s Paralympic journeys for decades, de Rozario said.

“It’s quite interesting. We’ve been so much part of each other’s career. To lead a team that you’re so proud of and alongside someone like Angie, it’s very cool and exciting to lead.

“I’m so proud, and I know Ange is too. Someone has to do the job, but to get to do it for a team that I love so much means the world.”

 By Sascha Ryner, Athletics Australia
Posted: 17/8/2024