It's the pinnacle sporting event in the world but Harlem Simiona had never expected to be in with a chance of an Olympic medal.
The 18-year-old Rotorua Boys' High School student is still getting used to the idea he could be playing football at the London Olympics after the Cook Islands
invited him to train with the national team.
Simiona was born in New Zealand but has ties to the Cook Islands through his maternal grandfather.
"They got in contact a couple of months ago," he said.
"A New Zealand coach had seen me play and recommended me to the Cook Islands coach. I was stoked to get the call. It's a big opportunity and I'm going to take it."
He says the team wants to know more about him and he is waiting to hear how soon it will be before he joins the team for training in Rarotonga.
"I can't describe [the feeling].
"I don't know how I'm going to feel [at the Olympics] but I'm really looking forward to it. I've already been thinking about reaching the final."
Playing for the Cook Islands at such a tender age won't harm his chances of pulling on an All Whites jersey in the future. As he is aged under 20 he is still eligible to swap allegiances if he gets the chance.
The left winger has been playing football since he was 10, although he started with league. He said his father was initially disappointed he didn't want to continue playing either rugby code but is now "proud" of his son.
Simiona featured in his school's Super 8 final loss to Palmerston North Boys' High - the first time the Rotorua school has made it that far.
"We did well and I was very proud," he said.
"If we play that way we've a good chance in the national secondary schools."
