He's no stranger to overcoming adversity.
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The fact the Tokyo Paralympic Games were delayed a year was just another challenge Jonathan Goerlach had to overcome to achieve his long-term goal.
So when the Nowra-born triathlete was finally unveiled as part of Australia's six-person Paralympic squad, he was overwhelmed with emotion.
"It's a relief to finally be announced on the team," Goerlach, who suffers from Usher Syndrome, said.
"This selection has been a long time coming, not just because of COVID-19 last year but because of missing out on a medal event in Rio.
"It's taken me 10 years of hard work to get to this point.
"It's a very exciting feeling to be named among the calibre of athletes in this team, who I know have all overcome their own challenges to get to this point.
"Not to mention all the friends, family and supporters who have been there with me every step of the way - I know I couldn't have done it without you guys."
Goerlach, who finished the triathlon qualification period in fourth in the world PTVI rankings, is ready for the Games
"I'm most looking forward to being in that Paralympic environment," the Bomaderry High School alumnus, who also recognised the unlucky athletes who missed out on selection this time around, said.
"Not many people can say they've achieved that - it's been a big goal of mine for some time.
"To be part of the Paralympic movement and building on that strong culture is exciting and I can't wait to get over there and give it my all."
While over in the Japanese capital, from August 24 to September 5, Goerlach, 38, will team-up with new guide Dave Mainwaring - one of two guides in the green and gold squad.
"If not for the Games being postponed, I wouldn't be going, as I've only teamed up with Jono recently," Mainwaring said.
"I am quite new to the guide aspect of things and it's all happened quite quickly and it's all becoming very real now, which is exciting.
"I never thought I'd be competing at a Paralympics, especially as a guide, so it's all very special to me. Jono and I are really looking forward to the experience."
In preparation for their Saturday, August 28 race at Odaiba Marine Park, the Wollongong-based pair will continue to ramp up their training.
"Despite the lockdowns, both Jono and I live near each other and have been able to continue our training," Mainwaring said.
"Now that's all officially announced, we can just focus on being in the best shape possible for the race."