Endurance athletes aren't generally associated with being vegetarian, but David McNeill is used to surprising people.
Among the first Australians to guarantee his ticket to Rio, the long-distance runner is deep in preparation for his second chance at an Olympic medal.
David McNeill competes in one of the most physically demanding sports, but for this lifelong vegetarian, the only thing he tires of is answering questions about his eating habits
"Where do you get your protein, is probably the most common question and I mean the easy answer is I'll say I eat lots of nuts and seeds and legumes and things like that."
David McNeill will represent Australia in the 10,000 metres race in Rio in August.
Fuelling his 165 kilometre a week training schedule is a favourite pastime.
"As much as I enjoy good quality food, I wouldn't call myself a food snob, maybe a coffee snob but definitely not a food snob!"
His love of cooking has been inherited from his mother, Jenny McNeill, who says while David learned the basics from her, he can definitely hold his own in the kitchen.
"We share recipes and he's probably a bit more creative than I am in the kitchen but he's also more messier than I am, so I usually have to go round after him cleaning up."
The 29-year old's recipe repertoire is taking on South American flavours as he prepares for his second Olympics.
Qualifying last December with his second national 10,000-metre title, McNeill will have eight months to prepare, a luxury he didn't have before his appearance in the London Games.
McNeill was eliminated in the heats of the 5,000 metres, which he ascribes to injury and a lack of time for mental preparation.
"I was at the start line and I had Mo Farah at my right and 80,000 people in the crowd and yeah if I'm honest it was a bit overwhelming."
He's doubling his distance - and his expectations - for Rio.
With his physical fitness on track, he'll also be working on pushing past the wall of doubt that can creep in for endurance athletes.
"Part of the preparation is preparing for that point for where it really starts hurting and going this is where I've got to start working, this is where it starts and really focusing on sticking on to the competition and staying in contention."
McNeill's personal best for the 10,000 metres is 27 minutes, 45 seconds.
At the London Games, Britain's Mo Farah won the gold with a time of 27 minutes, 30 seconds.
McNeill says he needs to at least match that time to be competitive in Rio.
"Rather than a second chance, it is a second opportunity and hopefully not the last opportunity but by no means will I not be seizing the chance this time."
His parents, Peter and Jenny McNeill, are also seizing the chance to see Brazil.
"We always said if he goes we go."
"We've been lucky enough to get the whole family tickets to watch his race so that's really good."
McNeill will be aiming to become the first Australian in 50 years to win an Olympic medal in the event.
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