How Rosie Fordham leads the way in a race 'everybody comes out for'

Rosie Fordham, Australia's leading cross-country skier, exudes an abundance of energy even over the phone. The 24-year-old from New South Wales is preparing her skis, demonstrating her passion for the sport. Cross-country skiing is an incredibly demanding full-body workout that requires immense physical effort and mental resilience.

The grueling nature of the sport, coupled with harsh weather conditions, makes it a challenge few can comprehend. Fordham is Australia's top cross-country skier, having won silver at the FIS U23 World Ski Championships in the 10-kilometre interval skating race last year. She has achieved numerous top-20 finishes in the FIS World Cup and finished 29th in the 50km mass start event at the 2016 Winter Olympics in Val di Fiemme.

This success has helped raise awareness and appreciation for endurance sports in Australia, particularly the Kangaroo Hoppet, a 42km ski marathon with over 700 participants in 2016. Fordham's victory in the women's race for the second consecutive year highlights the growing support for cross-country skiing in the country.