Nine athletes selected among the 460 to represent Australia at the Games appear well placed to equal the medal haul of seven which the state’s 12-strong representation earned in Tokyo three years ago.
Kookaburras teammates Eddie Ockenden and Josh Beltz will be looking to improve on the silver medals they won in Japan while dual defending champion swimmer Ariarne Titmus is ideally positioned to build on her stunning personal collection of two gold, one silver and one bronze.
While Ockenden will become Australia’s first five-time hockey Olympian, track cyclist Georgia Baker will make her third Games appearance, with runner Stewart McSweyn, rower Sarah Hawe, basketballer Alanna Smith, Beltz and Titmus all doubling up from Tokyo. Sprinter Jacob Despard and swimmer Max Giuliani will make their Olympic debuts while Maddi Brooks has been named as a travelling reserve for the women's hockey squad.
If each reach their respective finals, they will ensure Tasmanian representation on all 16 days of the Games with Monday, July 29, set to be the state’s busiest day with a potential six athletes in action.
And they are united in their excitement to compete.
Giuliani said the period since being named on the team was the best six weeks of his life.
“I’m just so excited,” said the Hobart 21-year-old who moved to the Gold Coast in 2022 and will contest the 200-metre freestyle and relay in Paris.
“Just living in the moment, talking to people who have been to a few Olympics and taking it all in, but the ultimate end goal is trying to succeed in Paris and getting up for a medal.”
Ockenden may be at the opposite end of the experience spectrum, but the opening ceremony flag-bearer is equally thrilled about the next few weeks.
“I think every Olympics is a bit different but one thing that has been the same is how exciting it is being in a team that’s striving to do their very best at the biggest event that we go to,” said the 37-year-old.
“It's always really exciting knowing you're going to the Olympics. It's really hard to compare it to the last four. Every Olympic campaign has had its own differences and its own feeling.
“You want to take some lessons in the past and try and improve and get better and use your experience to your advantage. Going to the Olympics is the coolest thing that we can do as hockey players.”
Teammate and fellow Hobartian Beltz, 29, expected a contrasting experience to the COVID-affected Tokyo Olympics where the Kookaburras were a penalty shootout away from a gold medal.
“I imagine it will be different but other than Tokyo I have nothing to compare it to. But I hear from guys like Ed about what the Olympics are and picture a lot of fanfare whereas Tokyo was very regimented and we were meant to have no contact with anyone else,” Beltz said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with family and friends.”
Baker also thanked her support team as Launceston’s triple Commonwealth Games champion prepared to contest the women’s track endurance events.
“Like many athletes, there’s a lot of people supporting behind the scenes that goes unnoticed,” said the 29-year-old. “From my family, friends, coaches and teammates to my primary school back in Tasmania - they have all played a role in my selection into the Olympics team, simply by believing in me and the Australian team.
“Many have been there on the good days and also the hard ones and I can’t thank those that are closest to me enough for their support.
“The support from home makes such a difference and is hugely appreciated by the team.
“The Olympics is a special moment that I’ve learnt to not take for granted, so I’ll be soaking it up as much as I can because there’s nothing quite like it. Our team is focused and ready.”
Titmus will also be thinking of home when she kicks off Tasmania’s Olympic involvement in the 400m freestyle heats on Saturday.
“Community spirit runs deep in Tassie and their support really does mean a lot to me,” said the 23-year-old dual world record-holder who moved from Launceston to Queensland in 2015."
“I can’t wait to represent Australia at the Olympics – it’s such a special experience and even more so when you know your home town is cheering you on from the other side of the world.
“I’m in a better position than three years ago. I know I’ve grown since the last Olympic Games and more than anything, I have prepared the best I ever have prepared for a swim meet.
“I believe I have more in the tank and so that’s my goal at these Games to try and get every skerrick out of myself and see what I’m capable of.”
Despard will contest the 4x100m relay and the Hobart 27-year-old could not be more ready.
“Having been to Commonwealth Games, gone to world juniors and won the Stawell Gift, the Olympics are the last thing on my list and will top off my career,” he said.
After celebrating her 37th birthday on Tuesday, Hawe, of Huon RC, will again compete in the women’s eight and hopes the Australian public will embrace the rowing team’s new nickname, the Rowsellas.
“I think it’s great the public has something to cheer for,” Hawe said. “A lot of big sporting teams have mascots… the Dolphins, the Matildas… so for rowing to now come into that space is really exciting.”