Jenna McCorkell waited a long time to make her Olympic debut - but the figure skater left Vancouver determined to forget the experience and learn from it.
McCorkell missed the 2006 Games in Turin with a back injury and tears of pain turned to tears of frustration in 2010, when a fall during her short program cost her the chance to complete her free skate, a frustration underlined just a few weeks later when she posted a personal best score at the World Championships.
But the 27-year old Coleraine skater, who yesterday was named in Team GB's six-strong figure skating squad for Sochi, insisted she's determined to peak when it matters.
“I’m in a better place mentally and physically now," said the 11-time national champion.
“I'm approaching the Games with a total different outlook this time. I’ve been enjoying training much more I have been a lot healthier which allows me to train even more.
“The confidence of having the training and the hard work done, it obviously helps you in your mindset as well.”
McCorkell has had the date of her Olympic event, February 19, in her mind for some time but will now also compete in the new-look team event, on February 8 after Great Britain was this week announced as one of the ten qualified nations.
However, she's determined not to look too far ahead, after the disappointment of eight years ago.
“In January I've got the European Championships and that is a massive event for me," she added.
“I’m just continuing my training, not changing too much and hopefully I'll go to Sochi in really good shape.
“It's definitely going in the right direction but I know I can still do better than that so there still is room for improvement.
“I’d like to place in the top ten at the European Championships, that is a goal that is achievable if I skate my best.”
© Sportsbeat 2013