The Tokyo Olympic games has provided a welcome distraction to the ongoing Covid chaos in recent weeks.
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It has certainly helped that Australia's performance, most notably in the pool, has been the source of much joy.
Highlanders could soon have further cause for celebration when one of their own takes to the biggest stage of all.
Cyclist Kaarle McCulloch will suit up for Australia in the Women's Keirin and Sprint events on Wednesday and Friday respectively.
McCulloch, who attended Bowral Public and Bowral High while growing up in the Highlands, is in Tokyo for her third Olympic Games.
While only a reserve at Rio five years ago, McCulloch won a bronze medal alongside cycling legend Anna Meares at London 2012.
Speaking to the Southern Highland News earlier this year, the 33-year old said her experience would give her an edge in the Keirin event.
"The Keirin isn't a race against the clock like the team sprint," she explained.
"It's a little bit more unpredictable but I think my experience of 15 years at the highest level gives me an advantage over a lot of my competitors.
"I just need to hope that I have the form on the day to give me the speed to match my experience. I feel like I'm going to be competitive for medals out there."
Heats for the Keirin begin at 5:10 on Wednesday while quarter-finals take place at 5:05pm on Thursday. The final will commence at 6:45pm on the same day.
Qualifying for the Women's Sprint meanwhile starts at 4:30pm on Friday, finals on Saturday at 4:30pm and the Decider on Sunday at 1:05pm.
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