A leap of faith yesterday morning may have been the breakthrough moment in BMX rider Sarah Walker's Olympics qualification bid.
The London silver medallist's biggest test yet since a double fracture in her arm eight weeks ago came not on the start line of a packed amphitheatre but in a ride around the North Shore BMX Club. With media and spectators on site keeping a watchful eye, Walker put in some impressive air time as she made her way around the course and allowed herself a smile afterwards.
Doubt can be an unwanted companion for BMX riders, and especially for one who has suffered her share of injuries in some big, and not so big, crashes.
The breakneck pace of the BMX world meant yesterday's ride was her last hit out on local soil before she aims to compete at a World Cup event next weekend in the Netherlands.
"To be able to do some jumps before heading away that challenged me mentally and physically ... it's given me a huge confidence boost," the 27-year-old said. "Because my arm is still quite weak, it's a physical challenge as well. Jumping for the first time doing those bigger jumps, I was 80 per cent sure that I'd make it.