Wollongong triathlete Jake Birtwhistle wants to book a seat on the plane to the 2016 Olympic Games but knows there's plenty of work to be done between now and then.
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The 20-year-old talent burst onto the racing scene as a junior and enjoyed a successful debut year on the senior tour in 2014.
It was just two weeks ago, however, that Birtwhistle announced himself as a genuine Olympic contender when he took out the Devonport Triathlon.
He collected the Oceania and Australian elite and under-23 titles in the process, beating London Olympians Courtney Atkinson and Brendan Sexton.
Now he is allowing himself to dream of standing on the podium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 17 months' time.
"It's kind of in the back of my mind [Olympics]," Birtwhistle said.
"But the main thing is I want to keep improving and keep climbing up the ranks.
"[I've] just got to keep on doing what I'm doing and if it happens it happens, if not so be it."
Birtwhistle will attempt to back up from his Devonport victory when he lines up for the Trithegong Triathlon in Wollongong on Sunday.
The starting line is a short stroll from his front door and the young talent hopes there is some sort of "home" advantage for the local athletes.
"I know it very well, I'm very relaxed here and don't have to stress about travel or anything which is nice," he said.
"It helps to know the corners and know the bends well, we'll go over the course tomorrow like everyone else."
Birtwhistle has put himself through a tough training schedule this past week which he admits isn't an ideal lead-up to Sunday's event.
But he's still confident of crossing the line first and claiming his second important title in as many weeks.
Following the race he will begin preparations for the ITU World Cup in Mooloolaba next week.
Sunday's main draw in Wollongong will be accompanied by a number of amateur events as part of the Trithegong festival.