They should have been packing their bags to go to Tokyo, but Canberra's Olympic Games hopefuls are waiting. Their dream is on hold, but their training has never stopped.
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That's why Lauren Boden's smile grows wider as she takes a moment to think about the program designed to book her ticket to Tokyo.
Because one glance at her training schedule shows just how much has changed for the 400 metre hurdler since she linked with coach Matt Beckenham 17 years ago.
"We have done a lot of things the same year after year," Boden said.
"Whilst they were successful and I was making teams and running some PBs, you get to the stage in your career when you do need to find new things to keep the passion there.
"That's why at the Commonwealth Games last year I did the long jump. I really enjoy running relays at championships. All of it does complement my 400m hurdles.
"The hurdling experience I have built up, without training or even racing as much during the season, meant I came out with a PB at nationals. That's the approach we will continue to have.
"That's why it was fun to come out and run a 300m hurdles [earlier this year]. It's an event I never really get to do, it's only the second one I've ever competed in.
"Even though I ran on my own, it was still really fun. It gave me a lot of confidence knowing I have to run another 100m and that would be a full race.
"It's just nice to be able to step out onto the track and feel like I can run PBs regardless of what event it is in."
Rest assured the focus remains on making the most of that one lap dissected by 10 hurdles at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
The coronavirus shutdown has affected everyone sporting industry, with professional competitions put on hold and athletes forced to take pay cuts until the world recovers.
But those hoping to chase a four-year dream were perhaps derailed the most. The Tokyo Games should be starting in fewer than 30 days. Boden was aiming for what would have been her third Olympic appearance, starting on July 24.
She has the same goal and almost the same dates, but she's now instead aiming for July 23, 2021.
Boden has already been fitted for a uniform - as have the likes of Canberra's 100m sprinter Melissa Breen, racewalker Rachel Tallent and gymnast Mitch Morgans.
Javelin thrower Kelsey-Lee Barber looms as one of Australia's biggest gold medal hopes as she looks to backup her world championship win.
Sharni Williams will lead the women's sevens rugby side in pursuit of back-to-back triumphs while Lewis Holland will join the men's team.
Canberra Capitals trio Marianna Tolo, Kelsey Griffin and Keely Froling are in the frame for Australian basketball squads, as is ACT export Patty Mills.
"Two years ago it was easy [for me to get motivation]. I was coming off a terrible injury run, I switched clubs and I wanted to prove there was plenty left in the tank, that I wasn't washed up," Griffin said.
"After last year and being successful ... How much longer are we going to do this and make the sacrifices it takes to be an athlete, put our life aside so I can pursue this?
"At the moment ... the Olympics is a huge driving force for me. Whether that's three-on-three at an Olympic Games would be amazing."
Some athletes have already qualified, with their place on the team being guaranteed despite the delay.
Michael Matthews and Chloe Hosking headline a list of hopefuls in a range of bike disciplines including Caroline Buchanan, Gracie Elvin, Nathan Hart, and Dan and Bec McConnell.
Head to the softball field and you could find Clare Warwick, swing by the hockey centre and you'll see Kalindi Commerford, Emily Smith, Edwina Bone and Andrew Charter.
Canberra United captain Karly Roestbakken looms as a crucial piece in the national side's push for Olympic gold while George Timotheou could find a place in the men's under 23's squad.
Out on the water chasing rowing gold will be Luke Letcher, Angus Moore and Caleb Antill. Back on foot could be the likes of Keely Small, Zoe Buckman, Emily Brichacek and Brett Robinson.
Boden naturally finds herself as one of the biggest names in this crop. Yet there were moments when she thought her time at the elite level was drawing to a close.
However the 31-year-old was always careful to avoid the dreaded r-word. Her decision to step back from the sport was never a retirement - instead she was re-prioritising.
The decision opened the door for Boden to claim her 12th national title with a personal best time of 54.87 seconds last April.
Now she will set her sights on what for some is an unlucky number - but for her a lucky No. 13 will book her ticket to Tokyo.
"Once I had such an amazing season that ended with a PB, that was a huge goal, to make it to Tokyo," Boden said.
"The mindset remains the same, I just take it week by week.
"That's why my coach Matt Beckenham decided to do a few races before Christmas over different distances because it keeps that interest there.
"They're little indicators for us to know we are on the right track and it keeps it exciting for me.
"It means when it does come time to run a proper 400m hurdle race, I know what sort of shape I am in.
"It's exciting, having a couple of girls with me at world championships means we will all push each other. It'll be amazing to have a couple of us there on the line in Tokyo."
Caden Helmers
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
Caden Helmers is a sports writer for The Canberra Times.
