Can you believe it, the Olympic Games Opening ceremony is only 2 weeks away, and tomorrow my Mum will drop me off at the airport to start the long haul flight to London for what I can only imagine is going to be a whirlwind 5 weeks. My open water team mate, Ky Hurst and I are heading to Switzerland for a pre Olympic training camp with coaches Colin Braund and Greg Towle. The pictures I have seen of the place we are staying have been beautiful – picturesque and sunny, so fingers crossed it stays that way while we are there. Time to soak up a bit of sunshine before heading to London.

As I enter into my final few weeks of hard training, I’ve been reflecting back on the journey from Beijing to now and what an amazing 4 years it has been. Elite sport can be a roller coaster ride, but I have had so many incredible experiences along the way and I would really like to thank everyone who has helped make that possible.

First and foremost – my coach Ken Wood. We have spent so many tireless hours together at Redcliffe pool and he has seen me not only at my best, but also at my worst. There have been times when I felt like I couldn’t possibly move my arms any faster or pull any stronger, but Ken has my body figured out and knows exactly when I need to be pushed harder, and when I need to rest. We have worked so hard together these last few years and I thank him for everything.

Secondly, my strength and conditioning coach – Scott Hipwell – for keeping me in shape and stronger than ever before. Our assistant coach, Geoff Ledger, for his constant encouragement and smiling face. My massage therapist, Michelle Bowden at Wellfit Massage Aspley, for unknotting my tired muscles week after week to ensure I can get back in the pool and smash them all over again.

The physio team at Revive Ashgrove for working on my niggles and doing everything they could to ensure my shoulders are at 100% leading into London.

The boys at BodyScience for giving me the fuel I need to succeed. Thanks to Nathan, Greg and Sel, for helping me to develop a nutritional program tailored to my training and recovery needs. I’m heading to London stocked up with the best supplements and complete confidence my body is getting everything it needs.

Allison, Lucy and the team at Aquadiva for their beautiful training togs and never ending support. Michelle Graham and Aquashop for helping me out in so many ways and ensuring I’ve always got everything I need to race.

John Vorgias and the team at Vorgee for supporting me long before I made it to the World Stage and continuing to be a part of my swimming journey.

Emily Smith and Oakley Australia for decking me out in the best sunnies while I spend my summer weekends on Queensland’s beaches.

And finally, all my friends, family, and everyone who has supported me along the way. My mum has given so much to watch me compete around the world and give me the best possible opportunities to follow my dreams, and for that I am ever grateful. I have such a beautiful bunch of friends and I love them all. Whether its just to catch up for a dinner or a chat on the phone, it doesn’t matter how long I go between seeing them, I know they are always there for me. I truly am a lucky girl and I’m going to London confident, happy, and giving everything I have to go for gold!

This post was originally published on melissagorman.com.au