But the 14-year-old knows she has plenty of work to do before she achieves her dream.

Talea recently won five gold medals at the NSW Multi Class Championships held in Sydney.

 In all events she set personal best times (PBs). She followed this up by taking home five medals - two silver and three bronze in multi class events at the North Coast Long Course championships in Coffs Harbour.

Talea is the Manning River Times-Iguana Sportstar of the Week, earning a $50 open order at Iguana. Wingham Swimming Club nominated her for the award.

While Talea’s had success in most strokes, she says breaststroke is her favourite and her strongest. This, she hopes, could be her ticket to Rio.

“I’ve improved my time for the 50 metre breaststroke heaps.’’ she explained.

“But to qualify for Rio I’ll have to improve a lot more. I’ll just have to keep training.’’

Talea has already qualified for the Country titles where she’ll swim in five events and also the nationals to be held in Sydney next year.

She trains four mornings a week at Wingham under coaches Jeremy and Sarah Wardrop.

 The 6am starts don’t faze her.

“No, it’s alright, I enjoy it,’’ she said.

She learnt to swim at Wingham about five years ago and was soon involved in active competition, intially at a local level before advancing to zone, then Country, State and national.

While winning medals is a bonus, Talea enjoys swimming for another reason.

“I like swimming with my friends,’’ the Taree Christian College student answers.

She enjoys all sports. Talea takes part in cross country events and athletics while she also plays hockey.