NEWCASTLE'S Genevieve Janse van Rensburg was inspired by an Olympic gold medallist during a school visit in the Hunter.
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Less than a decade on, the 20-year-old will make her Games debut in modern pentathlon and described it as a "dream come true".
Janse van Rensburg, currently in the UK finalising preparations for Paris, was officially named by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) on Thursday.
"Making the Olympic team is a dream come true and I am so honoured to be getting this opportunity to represent my country at an Olympic Games," Janse van Rensburg told AOC media.
"I started modern pentathlon in 2018, after the 2016 Olympic gold medallist Chloe Esposito came to my school.
"I remember listening to her talk about her experiences in the sport and thinking I want to do that. I already did three of the sports I started fencing in 2017 and then took up shooting in 2018."
Janse van Rensburg was born in Singleton, attended Hunter Valley Grammar School and has studied at the University of Newcastle.
Modern pentathlon entails swimming, riding, fencing and a combined laser shooting-run.
"Modern Pentathlon is a very unique sport as you're training for five very different disciplines and I think that is what makes it so exciting, everyday is different challenge," she said.
"It has been a labour of love and a huge commitment from many to support me over the last seven years.
"I have had so much unwavering support and commitment from my family to pursue this left of centre sport, which has taken me all over the world."
Van Rensburg first competed internationally in 2018 and claimed a junior Oceania title in 2019. She followed up with bronze at under-19 level in Europe and the Australian senior crown, both in 2022. She's the current Oceania champion and mentored by Hannah Every-Hall.
Modern Pentathlon Australia president Maki Takken was thrilled to see Janse van Rensburg selected for Paris.
"Congratulations to Gen on her selection to the Australian Olympic Team," Takken told AOC media.
"Mastering Pentathlon's five diverse disciplines to an Olympic level of excellence requires courage, dedication, single-mindedness and sacrifice.
"Gen has withstood a rigorous qualification process to achieve selection and we look forward to seeing her take on the world in Paris."
Olympic competition takes place across two venues, North Paris Arena and Château de Versailles, next month (August 8-11).