Youngster Abbey Caldwell is the least-known member of the star-studded Australian mixed relay team for Saturday's world cross country championships in Bathurst.
But after a breakout season in 2022, the 21-year-old is very much in the squad on merit and keen to play her part as the Australians look to take down defending champions Ethiopia and fellow east African distance running powerhouse Kenya.
Caldwell guaranteed her spot on the Australian team when she outsprinted multiple Australian record holder Jessica Hull to win the trial in Canberra in January.
Men's national 1500m and 3000m record holder Stewart McSweyn won the men's trial, with Hull and Birmingham Commonwealth Games 1500m champ Olli Hoare gaining the discretionary spots in the Australian squad.
It's quite the quartet and Caldwell, who won 1500m bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after controversially being overlooked for the world championships in Oregon, can't wait to get stuck in.
"We're going in with great potential but mainly because it's a team event we're excited to go in together," Caldwell told AAP.
"I don't feel a big weight on our shoulders but I really think we can perform.
"It's more excitement and motivation rather than pressure; knowing we have the ability to put Australian distance running on the international radar, to show we are the best."
With Hoare and Hull both based in the United States, the Australian quartet have not been able to get together to discuss tactics until race-week.
The mixed relay has only been a part of the world cross country championships program since 2017 and it shapes as the host nation's best chance of a podium finish in Bathurst.
The cross country format is second nature to Caldwell, who has competed in it ever since she first took up competitive running aged six.
"All through juniors and up until two years ago I had consistent cross country seasons every year and I've always absolutely loved it," she said.
"It's all about grit, just a really enjoyable way to get some fitness in.
"And for it to be a big event like a world cross country right here in Australia for the first time is just so exciting.
"It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity for runners of our generation."
