Emily Seebohm has struck a balance between life in and out of the pool she believes can help carry her to four Olympic Games.
Seebohm, 21, added another medal to an already-impressive career tally as she claimed 100m backstroke silver behind American rival Missy Franklin at the world championships in Barcelona on Tuesday.
It was a repeat result of last year's Olympic final but Seebohm's tears in London were replaced by smiles as this time she savoured the result.
That was down to the fact a three-month break from swimming after her second Games in London meant she wasn't back at peak fitness, resulting in lower self-expectations and a more enjoyable experience.
The well-earned time off allowed Seebohm to feel like a normal 21-year-old, as well as indulge in her other passion - horse riding.
"I enjoyed being that young person that could go out, have drinks, enjoy late nights and not get up early," said Seebohm, who has sacrificed plenty since making her first Australian team aged 14.
"I feel like there's two sides to me. There's the really devoted swimming side that's so focused all the time.
"Then there's that other side of me that has fun, enjoys life and risks my life getting on a horse every day.
"But I love that and I think it's given me a lot of motivation, a lot of life back in myself and it's given me an extra couple of years to keep going and keep pushing."
Seebohm certainly isn't lacking in competitive drive heading towards the Rio 2016 Games, particularly considering her growing rivalry with teenage star Franklin.
While the American has the recent victories on the board, Seebohm holds the fastest time between the pair with her Olympic record of 58.23 seconds set in the heats in London.
Franklin is three years Seebohm's junior but the Australian doesn't believe age will hinder her bid to turn the tables.
"I think sometimes people peak when they're older and I'm going to push for that," Seebohm said.
"It's great having that really strong rivalry between each other and we're so strong in the backstroke and so close now that it really pushes each other to go faster."
A dual Olympian already, Seebohm has her sights set on emulating former teammate Leisel Jones, who in London became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Games.
She would be 28 at the 2020 Games, to be held in either Istanbul, Tokyo or Madrid.
"My goal is to get to four Olympics and I'll be happy if I can get to that and achieve that goal," said Seebohm.
"If I can pick up that (individual) gold medal along the way, I'll be pretty stoked."
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