Ten years and three kids later... Oliva back for Olympic bid

Dreaming of the Olympics is one thing.Getting yourself back on a world class programme, with a baby and two pre-schoolers to look after, was a different matter entirely.At that time, less than two years ago, Oliva says she told a few close friends and family that she was considering coming out of retirement."'Are you crazy?' was the reaction," she admited. "'Are you sure? You're sleep-deprived!'"But I think that they also know what I'm like and they also know how much the Olympics means to me."So to now make it back to the Great Britain Cycling Team is just the biggest honour. It is the biggest team effort from Lewis, my husband, who supports this 100% and [the children's] grandparents. I couldn't do it without them. "We had Lewis's parents out on a training camp with us in Italy so that we were able to train together."It really pushes me on."Just being back at the top table of British cycling is an impressive achievement, especially when you consider the strength of the current women's endurance programme.At last month's Track World Championships, Great Britain took gold in the women's team pursuit. Millie Couzens then led a GB one-two in the individual pursuit. Anna Morris ended the Championships with three golds.Oliva admits that getting final selection for the Los Angeles Games will be a 'tall order'.But then again, so was getting this far.With two children at school and a toddler at home, fitting in training is a challenge.She aims to do her indoor turbo sessions while her youngest naps. If not, they can often still be happening at ten o'clock at night.And in this second chapter of her career, Oliva is placing a lot more emphasis on strength work.She says she is targeting areas she would have described as weaknesses ten years ago and as a result she is faster and stronger than she has ever been.And thanks to her young family, she is certainly more motivated than ever."[My eldest daughter] is my biggest supporter," Oliva continued."Yesterday I had my GB suit out and she was holding it up with such pride. And I said to her, Mummy had to work really hard to get that back, you know. And she said I know, Mummy, I see it every day."Chase your dreams and don't be afraid to shout that out. Because it can seem scary. There's always the 'what if you don't make it?'"But then what if you do?"Oliva has ridden this path before. But never quite like this.And she is determined that, this time, her Olympic story has a happy ending.