Travis Mahoney talks Rio dream

Travis Mahoney is training hard for Rio.

F-Teamer Travis Mahoney still finds it difficult to believe that he will be competing in Rio. The Nunawading swimmer's emotion at achieving his dream at the Australian Championships in April was obvious with a tearful reaction when he realised he'd made the team.

"When I qualified, I felt pure joy, satisfaction and relief," Travis reveals.

Melbourne-based Travis booked his seat on the plane to Rio for the 400m individual medley after setting a new personal best time of 4.14.98. Since then, he's been working hard to make sure he leaves no stone unturned.

"The one key thing I've focussed on is getting everything I could out of every session," he says.

Travis Mahoney was very emotional when he qualified for Rio

The 25-year-old credits his biggest inspiration on his journey to his late Aunt Sally who passed away last August after a brave nine year battle with cancer.

"My Aunt Sally is with no doubt the toughest, most resilient person I have ever known," he says.

The journey to Rio has seen Travis prioritise his training over all else, including holidays. But don't use the word 'sacrifice' to Travis!

"I wouldn't call any of it a 'sacrifice', I would call it an 'investment in myself'. Any time I missed out on something, it was because I was investing in myself and my dreams as an athlete," he says.

We can't wait to see Travis fulfil his goal when he gets up on the starting blocks in Rio.