Kathleen Dawson watched the Rio Olympics on television with the mere mortals with a tinge of regret and a dollop of motivational angst. But for a sub-par showing at the trials, the Kirkcaldy-born prospect could have been Brazil-bound. That, just weeks later, she took a gold and the bronze at the European Championships in London only served to underline immense potential befitting such a stage. Tokyo in 2020 is the ambition that now consumes her mind.

At the outset of a new Olympic cycle, the 19-year-old has bolted for Windsor Ontario for the world short course championships which begin today,

one of six Scots in the British team. It is a vote of confidence, affirmation of where her trajectory might lead, and she plans to grasp the opportunity to prove the selectors astute.

“Going in, I shouldn’t be scared of anything,” the Kirkcaldy-born hopeful said. said. “I’m only 19. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I should make the most of it while I can. I’ve got youth on my side so I should go out there with no pressure and no fear and do the best I can.

“The Europeans made me understand I can do this. That I shouldn’t be scared of anyone I’m up against or the event that I’ve got. That’s the approach I took at the Europeans. I went into it completely open-minded, with no pressure and nothing to lose. And it worked out ok.”

Since switching from Warrington – where she grew up - to the University of Stirling this autumn, Dawson has taken the plunge into a squad that also includes Olympic silver medallist Duncan Scott as well as Commonwealth champion Ross Murdoch.

The coaching and expertise of Steve Tigg and Ben Higson will be a boon, she expects. And being surrounded by proven performers, she hopes, will help her move to a higher level.

“It’s great to have team-mates with the same mindset, who want to achieve the same things and who are so determined,” she said. “I know it’s mainly a boys squad but they’re just as focused as me and it’s great to have the likes of Ross Murdoch and Craig Benson as training partners.

“Since I got there, they’ve been adjusting small things with my technique, small changes with my stroke that will bring small increments in my times. But it will all add up.”

Inevitably, her fresher’s experience on campus will differ from many of her classmates. Dawn starts, early nights, invites declined to party like it is 2016. There’s a lot to be said for staying in to watch TV instead. Part of the course, part of the plan.

“I don’t feel I’m missing out on anything by not going out all the time and getting that fresher experience,” she confirms. “This is what I want to do and I’m having fun with it and if that means staying in more, and only going out once or twice a year I’m fine with that.”

2012 gold medallist Hannah Miley will be among the first British medal tilts today in the 400m individual medley.