Emma Jackson is determined the next time Australian triathlon selectors consider her for the London Olympics team, it will be a much simpler discussion.
The 20-year-old Queenslander missed out in December when Triathlon Australia announced their early nominations for the Games team.
Beijing bronze medallist Emma Moffatt and her partner Brad Kahlefeldt gained early tickets to the Olympics.
Jackson had also made a strong case with her breakout international season last year.
The former under-23 world champion was the top Australian in the world championship series with fourth place, three ahead of Moffatt.
She was unlucky, but Moffatt is also a two-time world champion with much more experience.
While Jackson can understand why Moffatt gained the early nomination, she also admits the decision has given an edge to her Olympics motivation.
She aims to impress the selectors at the Oceania championships in Devonport, Tasmania this weekend and round one of the world championships series on April 14 in Sydney.
“It would have been great to have early nomination, knowing you are going to the Olympics,” Jackson said.
“But I guess it just makes me more determined to prove in Devonport and Sydney that I am worthy of one of those three positions on the women’s team.”
Devonport is doubly important to Jackson and compatriot Erin Densham, who raced at the Beijing Olympics.
With Moffatt in the London team and Beijing gold medallist Emma Snowsill also likely to make Olympic selection, Jackson and Densham need the win to impress the selectors.
Moffatt and Snowsill will not race this weekend.
A win at Devonport would also confirm one of Australia’s spots on the Olympic starting pontoon.
The same applies for the men.
Australia can start a maximum of three men and three women at the Olympic triathlon and, going on current rankings, it is well-placed to do so.
It was a major embarrassment for Australia, a triathlon power, when only two men could race at the Beijing Olympics.
The host country has made it clear that it aims to win the two elite races on Saturday, with New Zealand again the main opposition.
Jackson has started the season well, winning two local Queensland races, and is confident last year’s great results are nowhere near the end of her development.
“I’m definitely well ahead of where I was this time last year, so that’s a positive,” she said.
“Of course, I’d love to keep improving, as I’m only 20, so I think I have quite a bit more potential ahead of me.
“It’s all about improving and hopefully staying the top Australian this year.”
