Sussex Inlet's Jasmine Greenwood is now just days away from achieving her long-term goal and competing at the Paralympic Games.
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Greenwood, who booked her Tokyo ticket in June, will set off to the Japanese capital on Wednesday from Cairns, where her Australian Dolphins have been based for a two-week intensive training camp.
"The camp in Cairns has been great and really beneficial for all us athletes," said Greenwood, who suffered an acquired brain injury after acute appendicitis triggered two strokes.
"We have been in a tight bubble and are following all of our important COVID-10 protocols like wearing masks and hand sanitising.
"I have been away from home now already for an entire month and it's not easy but I know it's had a positive impact on my swimming, by working constantly with my team coach and fellow national athletes.
"We are also fortunate enough to have access to a physiotherapist and hydrotherapy while in Cairns, which has boosted our recovery time and therefore performance output."
During the Dolphins' stay in Queensland, which has helped them acclimatise to Tokyo's heat, they have taken part in numerous morning and afternoon training sessions, media workshops and learning new recovery techniques.
"I have been working hard alongside my coach and our team biomechanist, to point out and improve small things in my technique such as rotation and head positions, to try and make my strokes as efficient and fast as possible," the Bay and Basin Amateur Swim Club product said.
"All of the small things like those, are what can make big differences so that's what I've been focusing on, as well as trying to have a good mindset and enjoy myself."
On top of this, the Shoalhaven High School year 11 student has had to complete her studies from afar.
"It's a full-on schedule, especially when you throw in my school studies, which have been quite hard due to the fact I haven't been able to be in the classroom," the 16-year-old said.
"But I've always been dedicated to the classroom and have teachers who are very willing to help, which makes it easier to deal with."
As gruelling as the camp has been, the 2018 Commonwealth Games athlete knows it's preparing her to excel at her maiden Paralympics.
"I've been really pushing myself to the limits in Cairns and previously in Brisbane," the World Para Swimming Championships bronze medalist said.
"I know that all of my hard work always pays off in the long run.
"I definitely feel strong and in the best shape of my career - I'm really excited to see what I can do at the Games."
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