Competing at the Rio Olympics will be a memorable family moment for Chloe Rayner

AN Australian judo athlete believes her mum deserves to be in Rio just as much she does as the pocket rocket prepares for her first Olympic Games.

Ohori Judo Club member Chloe Rayner of Holmview. Picture: RICHARD WALKER

CHLOE Rayner is on cloud nine as she prepares to make her Olympic debut in Rio.

Because, not only will the judo athlete realise an individual dream by competing at the Games, but a dream her entire family, and especially her mum, Julia, has had since Rayner was nine.

A member of Gumdale’s Ohori Judo Club, the 19-year-old is set to compete in the 48kg division in Rio after earning selection in the Australian team in May.

After starting the sport as a nine-year-old in England before moving to Australia months later, Rayner said she believed the environment her parents provided her growing up was essential in her success so far.

“He (dad) helped me quite a bit early on before I even went to a judo club, we did a lot of stuff in the garage, just do our own thing but now mum has taken over,” she said.

“She’s judo mum, she has pushed me and been a massive support. I think how far you go in sport, really depends on the environment your parents give you.

“Making it this far 100 per cent wouldn’t be possible without mum with her emotional support, driving me to practices and keeping me positive and motivated.

“Mum is going to Rio ... Even though it was a dream for me, it’s been a massive dream for her as well and it’s really exciting.”

Mrs Rayner has watched her daughter overcome hurdle after hurdle to realise her dream and said she could not wait to her compete in Brazil.

“She has gone through a lot of get to Rio and myself and her sister, Sophie, are very proud of her,” she said.

The Holmview resident has some experience at major international events after winning a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow but said the Olympic Games was a whole different situation.

“I think it was a little bit of a taster obviously I experienced the village and it was a really nice stepping stone for this I think,” Rayner said,

“But I don’t think it’s going to be any comparison to an Olympic games but it definitely will help the overwhelming feelings of being at my first Olympics a bit.

“I think being my first Games and being so young I have no expectations, I’m the underdog just going go out there and do the best I can.”

It has been a long process towards competing in Rio for Rayner after filling one of the quota spots on the team and only having two months to prepare for what might be the biggest moment of her life.

But the youngster said she was ready.

“I have been doing our three set sessions for training plus I’ll come and do two of my own sessions here (Ohori Judo Club) with the coach and then I’m in the gym six days a week,” Rayner said.

“It’s pretty full on but that’s part of it and that's what I want to do.”