As preparations towards an Olympic year increase so too do the training commitments.

Athletes are seen dedicating themselves more and more to schedules that encompass every part of their life.

For Brisbane’s Aussie Stingers star Sophie Smith, this involves hours upon hours at the pool and gym.

But like many Australian Olympic sportsmen and sportswomen, our water polo players also have to juggle their time around university studies and career pursuits.

Smith, who is in the middle of her second Olympic campaign after being one of the last players to be cut from the 2008 Beijing squad, took time away from a recent Stingers training camp at the AIS in Canberra to reveal some of the ins and outs of her busy lifestyle.

AWPI: So what keeps you so busy off the field?

Sophie: I am currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries majoring in Fashion and Public Relations at the Queensland University of Technology. I do this part time in order to fit in all my university, work and training commitments.

I then also work as a fashion styling assistant for Brisbane stylist Kim Ring where I assist her with various roles through Westfield Chermside in Brisbane as well as also being a qualified make-up artist.

It is challenging at times to juggle various aspects of life, however I really enjoy it and I believe that if you are passionate about your sport, work and university it is possible to manage all these commitments.

AWPI: How are you able to maintain high standards across all these platforms?

Sophie: I'm really lucky to have a flexible job and university. The Queensland University of Technology has a fabulous Elite Athlete Program which allows me to defer any assessment when I'm away or have extensions to complete work. Our schedules while on tour often don't allow for much time to complete university study so these extra allowances definetly help.

As for work, my boss Kim is very understanding. I give her the dates I am away and she schedules me on for work when I am in Brisbane. Balance is the key though, and if you can apply the same effort to work and study as you do in sport, it makes everything a lot easier.

AWPI: Where do you see the three paths taking you?

Sophie: I would really love to pursue a career in fashion public relations and marketing. I have a year of my university degree to complete, which I hope to gain employment in a public relations firm with clients from the fashion industry. I also have a very big interest in sports public relations and marketing. I would love to be involved with high profile sporting organisations or clubs as I have an interest in this line of work and I can relate to the athletes involved.

AWPI: With the Olympics not far away, firstly what would making the team mean to you and secondly, what is the process towards gold for the Aussie Stingers?

Sophie: Making the team for the 2012 Olympics, particularly after being the one of last players to cut from the squad in 2008, would mean the world to me. It would give meaning to the countless hours spent in the pool, in the gym and away from home. It would also make all the sacrifices; either things I have given up or the amazing assistance from the university and Kim, seem worthwhile.

In the lead up to the London Olympics water polo will be my life as it is a dream I am working to fulfill. But a dream that is spent with great team mates, traveling the world and testing myself on a daily basis. So being a part of a team that gets the gold in London would really be the icing on the cake to my water polo career.

* To keep track of Sophie and the rest of the Aussie Stingers as they make their quest for Olympic glory, read their daily Facebook updates during the 2011 Canada Cup.

The girls left Australia earlier today and will post accounts of their travels in Montreal on the Australian Water Polo Inc. Facebook page. For more information
http://www.australianwaterpolo.com.au/news/article/2011/december/follow-the-aussie-stingers-facebook-updates-from-the-canada-cup/