Gaye Shale has a warm smile, but it is often hidden by a tough exterior that she has worn like a mask over a challenging decade.
Thirteen years ago Gaye lost her husband Jerome in an accident on her farm.
After Jerome's passing in 2001 Shale was left with a bakery, a sizeable parcel of land to work, and three children under the age of ten. The family was burdened by a lot of debt and bankruptcy loomed.
But this mum refused to yield to the external pressure.
"It was a matter of digging in my heels and seeing what I could come up with," reflected Shale.
The Victorian dedicated a lot of her energy to focusing on her family, "My four year old was great, riding the motorbike and helping me get my sheep in. I look back now and I think 'how did I do it'? And I think 'you know so it's amazing what you can do when you have to', " said the mother of three.
Inspired by her late husband's encouragement she targeted a spot on the Australian shooting team. But as with almost everything in Shale's life it had to be harder than that.
The nearest shooting centre was more than four hours away. After so much adversity a 700 kilometer round trip for practice wasn't going to deter Gaye who embarked on the weekly trek to hone her skills.
She has found a friend in 1996 Olympic Champion Russell Mark, who told SBS he is not her coach but more of a mentor to the woman he finds inspiring.
"She has been dealt a hard deck of cards but you would never know it. I think she has aspired to be the best she can be, she is a great role model for other female athletes," said Mark.
One of Australia's greatest shooters - a multiple Olympian - Mark has been taken by Shale's work ethic - "She is very determined. She trains harder than anyone on the team. She is first to start and last to leave," said the Olympic gold medalist.
Years of dedication has yielded reward for Shale. Winning a spot on the Australian team for the women's double trap is something she craved and can now savor.
Her three children will travel to watch their mum compete in Glasgow. It's a moment that Shale knows will be an important milestone. A chance to look back, a chance to look forward and an opportunity to savor her own personal triumph.
"Life is about the moments you can create with your family - sorry I am getting emotional here - and look this is just one of those magic moments. It will be unbelievable."
While Gaye might find it 'Unbelievable', those who have met her - however briefly - aren't so surprised.
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