Georgia Baker has had a bumpy ride.
At just 21, the Tasmanian cyclist will soon compete in her first world championships - an opportunity that put selection for the Olympics firmly on her radar.
But the last nine months have been a mix of happiness and heartache for the young athlete.
Ms Baker's rise into the upper echelon of women's cycling came in the wake of unexpected personal tragedy.
Her father, Patrick, died of a massive heart attack in May last year.
Patrick Baker lived a fit and active lifestyle and was Ms Baker's mentor and mate.
"He was my dad. He played a massive role in my life," Ms Baker said.
"He's someone who always taught me to never give up and I always take that with me."
Ashlee Ankudinoff, Georgia Baker, Amy Cure and Isabella King of Australia (Getty)
She spends a great deal of time training with her teammates and admits they have been a continued support and comfort for her through personal challenges.
"They're not just teammates, they're my friends as well," she said.
"They're people I really open up to and they open up to me as well."
As she sets her sights on Rio, Ms Baker said she is driven by the memory and inspiration of her greatest influence - her dad.
"He was someone that I look up to and I always will look up to, and every time I go out there and ride, I always ride for him," she said. "I always think of him."
