Mental Strength

“Recently I spoke to my coach and said, ‘I really don't know what motivates me to keep training,’ because to be honest, I really don't like training. But the reason I do it is because I love competing. I love the adrenaline rush it gives me. Being in front of 80,000 people in a stadium is so exciting, not many people get to experience what that feels like.

“But it's quite hard at the moment because I haven't competed for so long. I missed most of the Australian season, and the World Indoor Championships, because of my injury. So all I've been doing is training. But to know I'm going to the Olympics gets me up in the morning to train.”

Experience

“I went to the World Championships when I was 16, and I think that really helped me to realise what to expect at the next major competition I went to, which was the Commonwealth Games in 2006. I think knowing what to expect and what to do under pressure is very important. For example, in the Commonwealth Games 100m final, I lost concentration because someone yelled out 'Go Sally' when I was in the blocks. And that helped me to understand what I had to do next time - not focus on what the crowd is doing, just focus on what I have to do in the race. Every championship you go to is part of the learning curve for the next one.”

Playing favourites

“I learnt a big lesson at the World Championships last year. Because I chose to do two events, I found it really tough, even after the heat of my first event. That's why for the Olympics this year I'm only going to be doing hurdles. I'm ranked higher in the world and have more of a chance of reaching the final. It's going to be quite tough because everyone wants to be in that final. I think I can get there, it's just a matter of progressing through the rounds smartly.

“The heat in Beijing is going to be incredible. It will take a lot of energy out of you, so you have to try to save energy wherever possible.”

Race Day

“On race day, I like to keep everything structured. Depending on what time I'm competing, I'll get up and have breakfast, then have a shower. But I'll do everything really slowly, so that it drags out the day. I head out to the track really early, just because I get sick of sitting in my hotel room doing nothing. I need to get out onto the track and relax there.

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