IT was June 21, 2021, the close of the Olympic qualification period and as I checked the website with some trepidation, I could finally let out the breath I was holding. I made it!

I was going to Tokyo for my second Olympic Games.

After the Scottish Open, I obviously had a lot on my mind. Another missed cut. How was I going to hold the country on my shoulders? Would I be able to make the country proud?

My game needed another couple of sessions with my coach, I knew that and he knew that.

Going to the Olympics with a 60% game level was not good enough, but I knew I had to still try to give it my best.

Qualifying for the Olympics was not easy and like my dad always says, that in itself is already an achievement. (Yes, we have to qualify as the country can’t just send someone.)

After all, I am one of the 60 players there. Doing it twice in succession makes it extra special.

This time around, however, it was a bit of a mad scramble as there was a large number of pre-requisites and planning involved. There were also more requirements to fulfill prior to leaving for Tokyo.

The strict Covid-19 protocols required us to do PCR tests, three days in a row prior to our flight to Tokyo. Looking for a testing centre to complete the requirements by Japan was a tough task in London.