Having overcome a horror run with injuries, a stretch that included Achilles surgery, the Warilla product initially set his sights on Paris in 2024.

Instead he is on the verge of making his Games debut in Tokyo in the 1500 metres heats on Tuesday morning.

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It's a scenario Edwards feared may never eventuate, but now the opportunity has arrived, the 23-year-old is determined to make the most of it.

"At the start of last year, the Olympics wasn't really on my radar," Edwards said. "The way this year's gone has been unbelievable, everything's fallen into place.

"It's my first major competition so it's hard to have clear expectations, but I'd love to make the final, that's the huge goal."

The middle-distance runner is one of two Albion Park Little Athletics products to race in Tokyo, with Jessica Hull making a positive start to her campaign on Monday.

Edwards is competing in one of the deepest events at the Olympics, the men's 1500m a race stacked with talent.

Australian record holder Stewart McSweyn is among the medal contenders, while Sutherland's Ollie Hoare also has his sights set on a place in the final.

Edwards prevailed at the national championships and feels the pursuit of McSweyn has made him a better athlete.

"It's unreal having Stewy to chase, he's such a talent. I did manage to scalp him at the Australian Championships, there was some luck involved but it proves they're beatable.

"It's great having that domestic competition. I aspire to be as good as he is, he's up there with the top runners in the world."