To accomplish that ambition three times is sublime when you consider the gruelling physicality and decreasing percentages of participation.

The feat is more stunning when it comes against a background of setbacks and second thoughts.

That is the situation in the case of backstroker Belinda Hocking, a former Wangaratta, Albury and Benalla swimmer, who in August will represent Australia at the Olympics for the third time.

The 25-year-old stunned swimming pundits with her win over favourite Emily Seebohm in the 200-metre backstroke Olympic qualifying race in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

It came after Hocking had taken a six-month break and contemplated walking away from swimming, a sport which had consumed her life.

But instead of being content with having competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, Hocking decided to take a shot at a Games hat-trick and achieve a dream hatched as a 10-year-old of representing Australia thrice.

Having taken six months off, undergone shoulder surgery and recovered from a dislocated knee caused by a car accident, Hocking's path has not been easy.

Yet it has also probably been helped by diversions, such as university study and becoming engaged, which saw her more at ease heading into the Olympic qualifiers.

Hocking now surpasses fellow Border product Paul Jarvie, who swam in the Munich and Montreal Olympics for Australia.

At the other end of the scale, Mulwala shooter James Willett also deserves hearty congratulations for making the Rio de Janeiro Olympic team.

The 20-year-old will represent Australia in double trap after having begun competing at the age of 12.

Willett has had to travel three hours to train for his sport which has taken him around the globe, with his first world championship contest aged 15.

Both Willett and Hocking continue a fine tradition of Border athletes participating at the Olympics.

Equestrian gold medallist Andrew Hoy, who hails from Culcairn, has competed in an eye-popping seven Olympic Games, while basketballer Lauren Jackson had been to four-in-a-row before injury cruelled her Rio bid.