Her fourth-place in the steeplechase in Glasgow came just over a year after an eight-year absence from the sport. The result was the last thing she expected and it was the trigger for a successful period that included two Olympic finals.

Four years later, much has changed for Hills, but plenty remains the same. She has made the move to Melbourne and married her husband. But she also continues to work full-time in the pharmaceutical industry while juggling her athletics career. 

Crucially though, Hills has struggled through a period of lower leg injuries, with a toe injury at the Rio Olympics triggering a frustrating 18 months for the 30-year-old. 

“Glasgow was a really different experience,” Hills said. “It was such a shock I was even in the team, so many people were thinking I wouldn’t be near the front.

“What I did on that day was so much more than what I felt capable of. If I can replicate that this year, it would be incredible.

“I never really set myself place goals, you just don’t know who’s going to be there. I just want to perform at my best, if you run out of your skin and run a PB but don’t medal, that’s great.”

Hills’ place in the Australian team was confirmed last Friday when she finished second in the 5000m at the Australian Championships. It was her first race since last year’s World Championships. 

The Shellharbour product will contest both the 5000m and 10,000m events at the Games and she will be joined by Bulli junior Ryan Gregson, who took out the men’s 1500m final on Sunday.

“It’s a relief,” Hills said. “Having the excitement of having a home Games is pretty overwhelming. Having to wait until the weekend to have it confirmed meant it was a nervous wait, my family are going up there and now they know I’ll be up there with them.

“I have had a rocky six months, with a lot of trouble with my Achilles. I always felt confident I’ll be ready for April, but there was just that hurdle of getting through the trials in order to get there.

“I stood on the line knowing I’m not 100 per cent and trusting what I had done would be enough was the challenge. Now I’m excited to have seven more weeks to work towards being the best I can be.”

After meeting Australian distance legend Craig Mottram as a junior, Hills made the decision last August to work with the former Commonwealth medalist on a full-time basis. 

It’s a decision that’s reaped benefits both on and off the track, with Mottram providing valuable advice on how to handle the pressure of a home Games.

“His experience and knowledge has helped a lot. I’ll stay in Melbourne until the latest moment before the competition. I won’t go to the holding camp, I’ll use the advantages of a home Games, sleeping in my own bed with my husband and dog.

“Craig has really stressed taking it all in though. Sometimes you can forget where you are and get caught up in your race. It’s important to take in all the positivity that it is here in Australia and take in the excitement of the Games and use it to help with racing.”

The athletics competition commences April eighth.