For Tokyo-bound swimmer Erin Gallagher, a disease she suffered in childhood has made the anti-Covid practise of wearing a mask a difficult exercise.
Scleroderma caused what looks like a birthmark on the right side of her neck and resulted in her right ear being significantly smaller, though the worst part is the sensitivity.
"I can't wear a mask for too long, my ear gets very, very sore. Sometimes if I take a shirt off and it's too tight it hurts my ear. I could never get my ear pierced because it's so incredibly painful if I bump my ear."
She enjoys her nickname Nemo - "because Nemo has the smaller fin" - but admits the teasing she endured when a child hurt at the time. She was called "Dwarf Ear" and ribbed for not washing her "dirty" neck.
"It did affect me when I was younger, but as I was growing I came to appreciate it was part of who I am. It makes me different. It doesn't affect me at all these days."
Gallagher, 22, has had her fair share of adversity; just getting to Tokyo has been a feat.
She injured her right shoulder and then dislocated a knee while learning to sokkie at a matric dance.
With no SA women qualifying in 2016, Gallagher is part of the resurgence of female swimming, making her own waves. The story goes that Australia's multiple Olympic medallist Cate Campbell once told an SA coach that she was keeping an eye on the ever-improving Gallagher.
Gallagher was flattened by Covid-19 last year, but she struggled through it to ensure she's ready for Olympic competition - with a smile on her face.
"I'm grateful for everything I've been through. I'm a happy swimmer, I'm a happy person, so it can't be that bad. Swimming prepares you for life, the disappointments. I'm grateful for everything."
Gallagher will compete in the 100m freestyle and butterfly races as well as the 4x100m medley relay team which last made the final at Sydney 2000.
"I'm so excited to get to Tokyo and soak up the experience because everything I learn will be used towards Paris 2024 which will be the main Olympics for me."
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