When Alex Yee sits down for post-race dim sum with his family on Sunday, it will mark a poignant full-circle moment in his athletic career. A decade after completing the Mini London Marathon for the fifth time, Yee is now set to make his debut in the full London Marathon. This transition from a young enthusiast to an elite athlete is a testament to his dedication and passion for running.

Yee, who has Chinese heritage on his father's side, recalls how the promise of dim sum was a significant motivator during his early running days. The London Marathon, with its grandeur and impact, soon captured his imagination. Now, as the reigning Olympic and world triathlon champion, Yee is the one who will be in the spotlight, running through the streets of his home city.

"As time went on, I realized the excitement of the London Marathon, the impact it had, and how momentous a day it was," Yee shared with BBC Sport. He added, "I'm not thinking past the experience, but afterwards, I'd definitely like to get some dim sum with my family and have that deja vu moment."

This marathon debut comes after a career-defining year for Yee, who won both the Olympic and world triathlon titles within a span of fewer than 12 weeks. His spectacular recovery on the banks of the River Seine to clinch Olympic gold in Paris was a highlight of his career. Now, Yee is embracing a new challenge, shifting his focus to marathon running.

"To have something which has given me that purpose to get out of bed, to go out and keep searching for those fine margins, I think that's really rare to find in the first year after an Olympics," Yee said. He approaches this new chapter with an open mind, aiming to emerge as a better runner and a more holistic athlete.

Yee is part of an elite men's field that includes 10 athletes who have run the marathon in under two hours and five minutes, among them his sporting idol, four-time winner Eliud Kipchoge. Yee's target is to enjoy the experience and complete the first half of the marathon in 64 minutes and 30 seconds, which could place him among the top British marathon runners.

Kipchoge, regarded as the greatest distance runner of all time, has even offered Yee advice, emphasizing the importance of making it to the start line. The two have arranged to meet after the race, a meeting Yee describes as "surreal."

Beyond the race, Yee is passionate about using his platform to inspire others. He plans to launch a foundation to provide opportunities for school children in the south London area where he grew up. Through documenting his marathon journey on YouTube, Yee aims to show that elite athletes are not superhuman but individuals who work hard to achieve their dreams.

"The more we share our story, I feel like people realize that we're just like anyone else, and there's no reason why they can't dream to achieve what I have - or even so much more," Yee said. He hopes to make a difference, even if it's just changing one person's life.

Yee's marathon debut is not just a personal milestone but also an inspiring moment for athletes and fans alike. His journey from a young runner to an Olympic champion and now a marathon debutant is a story of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.