When it comes to Olympic qualification, few athletes can surpass the rollercoaster journey of South Australian rower Molly Goodman.
The triple Olympian’s debut selection at the Rio 2016 Games came at the 11th hour, while her second outing in Tokyo was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As for Paris? The stroke of the women’s four hopes it is a case of “third time lucky” as she bids for a medal with teammates Olympia Aldersey, also a three-time Olympian, and debutantes Lily Alton and Jean Mitchell.
In 2016, Molly’s teenage dream of representing her country at the Olympics was shattered when the women’s eight failed to qualify, finishing just one place outside the selection criteria.
In a surprise turnaround, just two weeks before Olympic competition, Australia earned a start after Russia was banned amid doping allegations.
Within hours Molly, who was holidaying in Thailand, was on a plane to Brazil.
Fast-forward to 2020 and her Olympic experience could not be more different.
After winning a silver medal at the 2019 World Championships in the women’s eight, Molly had her eye on an Olympic medal when COVID-19 foiled her plans.
Instead of competing in Tokyo, she spent lockdown at her family’s holiday home at Lake Eucumbene in the NSW Snowy Mountains walking her dogs Pip and Tilly and playing board games by an open fire.
Few who follow her social media will forget the image of Molly outside on a rowing machine, snow falling, determined not to let go of her Olympic dream.
At the delayed Games, Molly stroked Australia into fifth place, falling short of her childhood aspiration of finishing on the podium.
“What I’ve learned from a decade on the national team is the best opportunities come when you least expect them,” Molly said, who spent her teenage years boarding at Adelaide’s Wilderness School.
“I’ll never forget the moment our women’s eight was called in for the Rio Games. We’d missed qualification, most of us had put that dream to bed.
“It was funny. I’d wanted to be an Olympian since I was 13 years old, and then, bam! It came out of left field. I’d achieved my life-long goal in the most unexpected way.
“Equally, my goal of competing for Australia at the 2020 Tokyo Games was shattered in the most unexpected manner.
“I’d vowed to be in medal-winning form and to be so prepared - something the situation in Rio didn’t allow.”
In the face of adversity, Molly’s message is simple: “Never lose hope. Destiny will deliver you great things, all you need to do is keep trying.”
In Paris, she returns to the women’s four; a boat she has excelled in at previous world titles, securing gold in 2017 and silver in 2018.
“I’m so excited for these Olympics, it’s my third time but I’ve had two very different experiences at Rio and Tokyo,” Molly said.
“The crowds, and having family there, is what makes the Games so exciting - that’s the thing I’m looking forward to.
“I won my first international medal in the women’s four so it’s cool to be back competing in it seven years later.
“I’ve enjoyed the experience of this boat class so far. It’s fewer people which has been nice to be able to work with a smaller team of athletes.
“We have been training with the women’s quad. It’s great to have them alongside us every day to challenge us and keep the vibes up!”
Molly trusts those vibes, and being selected in the four, is an omen that at these Games things will go to plan.
The rowing will be held at Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium from 27 July to 3 August.
Women’s fours heats begin 28 July at 8:30pm (AEST).
Catriona Dixon
