Australian Zoe Buckman conquered her nerves and timed her run to perfection to claim an impressive heat victory in the women's 1500m at the world athletics championships on Sunday.
Buckman, 24, needed only to finish in the top six to guarantee a spot in Tuesday's semis.
But rather than play it safe, she went for the victory when an opportunity presented itself half a lap from home.
Her winning time of four minutes 06.99 seconds was the third fastest overall qualifying time.
"When I got out of that box around the curve I realised I could win," said Buckman.
"I'm getting to read races better and I sensed that girl might run a bit wide because (defending world champion Jenny Simpson) was threatening on the outside.
"I stepped into that gap and just pushed my way though.
"It gives me a bit more confidence going into the next round.
"I know I'm in shape and I seemed to cruise into that 4:06."
Buckman made her senior international debut at the London Olympics, where she also advanced from the heats and was able to run her PB of 4:05.03 in the semis.
"I'll have a bit of down time now and then be ready for Tuesday," said the Victorian runner, who is coached by Nic Bideau.
"It really plays on your nerves. I know it affects everyone in that way. It's about who stays the calmest.
"Last year was a bit different because my parents were there, there were a lot more supporters, everyone knew I was running.
"I approached it more as a win-win because it was my first experience on the senior stage.
"(This year) I feel like I'm in a real striking position."
Buckman is confident she is in good enough shape to become the first Australian woman to qualify for the women's 1500m final at a world championships.
The news was not as good for sprinter Melissa Breen, whose preparation has been blighted by a severe case of food poisoning picked up in Sri Lanka in May.
The illness led to a liver and a kidney infection, with the Australian taking herself off medication last month after an "awful" run in Switzerland.
She was significantly better than that in the 100m heats on Sunday, although a time of 11.47 was not enough to advance to the next round.
"You have to take the good with the bad and this year I've had everything in between," said Breen.
"This is a high, competing in the stadium and wearing the green and gold again.
"Now I look forward to the Commonwealth Games, I look forward to going home and training and being fit and healthy come next year."
English Gardner from the United States was the fastest qualifier in 10.94.
