“The greatest battle is not physical but psychological. The demons telling us to give up when we push ourselves to the limit can never be silenced for good," wrote Fife. "They must always be answered by the quiet, steady dignity that simply refuses to give in. Courage. We all suffer. Keep going.”

Alexandra’s assessment about the numerous demands placed upon rhythmic gymnasts suggests a titanium-grade strength body and mind are essential commodities for anyone to prosper in the elite ranks.

“It’s definitely a process of blood, sweat and tears,” she said of the work and sacrifice that was required to represent Australia at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

“While that’s the physical part, the psychological side is just as difficult. Gymnastics isn’t just about the physical capabilities we show on the carpet, I work with a sports psychologist to handle emotions, pressure, and being able to focus.

“Every athlete is different. Some need to be hyped up and very energetic, some need to calm down and focus on their breathing. I need to block out everything, and focus on the task at hand.”

While 22-year-old Alexandra - a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist - follows a grueling training regimen at her base in Baku, Azerbaijan, she also invests enormous amounts of time and energy into galvanizing her mind to cope with the pressure associated with competing against the world’s best.

“I have a lot of tasks I do daily to make sure I'm able to focus on the day; that my concentration is always on peak, and that I block out any comments or pressure I might be feeling from myself or other people,” said Alexandra.

“I work on my psychological state daily. In terms of the physical, I work 10 hours a day earning those bruises and blood, that sweat and my tears. It’s definitely a lot of work but you can’t be a high-level gymnast without it being your life.

"The tasks I do daily ensure I’m energised and ready to do things. They allow me to focus on the day, ensure my concentration is always on peak, and that I block out any comments or pressure that I might be feeling from myself or other people."

Alexandra, who is also studying to become a lawyer, said strengthening her mind muscle will provide her with an edge outside of sport.

"I think this work doesn’t only apply for rhythmic gymnastics; I think it is beneficial for life afterwards," she said. "It’s something that will be with me forever: the ability to handle pressure in any situation."

Her dedication to working on the psychological side of rhythmic gymnastics doesn't mean Alexandra is immune from the same struggles and emotions of her peers. Her reaction to qualifying for Paris after winning the Oceania Championships told a deep story.

"The Oceania Championships was one of the most difficult competitions I've had psychologically," she said. "There was so much pressure and I felt it. I realised the pressure I had placed on myself. But competing in Paris was a big, big goal and one that I really wanted to achieve.

"I remember finishing my last apparatus and running towards all of my coaches who were with me on the day to wait for the score. As soon as we saw that I'd come first, and my ticket to Paris was 100 percent booked, the tears started rolling down and I called my Mum and we were both crying over the phone."

Alexandra will represent Australia in the Individual All-Around event.

Daniel Lane