Five-time national champion Lauren Boden looks set to make her Olympic debut after recording her first Olympic A-qualifier at the Sydney Track Classic.

Boden, who has consistently performed through the minor meets of the domestic season, stepped things up a notch at the meet that has been Australia’s best throughout this Olympiad and snuck under the 55.50 second A-qualifying standard by five-hundredths of a second with a 55.45s run.

With former world champion Jana Pittman’s career hanging in the balance without a qualifying time to her name and constantly battling injury, Boden’s performance goes a long way to securing her place on the team to London; Each nation can select up to three athletes who have the A-qualifying standard, but no more than one athlete if a B-qualified athlete is selected.

“I’m tired but really happy,” Boden said.

“I knew it was going to happen, it was just a matter of when. Sooner rather than later was ideal. It might take a little while to sink in.”

Ultimately, the selectors will be redundant if Boden is the first Australian across the line at the Melbourne Track Classic and again under the 55.50 second standard, as her selection will be automatic. But Boden is confident of the impression she has made throughout the season, and her ability to improve on her form further.

“I can’t imagine that they are going to say no to one person with an A [qualifier] if they run trials and win. I think given my age – it’s probably on my side – I haven’t been to the Olympics before.

“One’s a good start and I know there are plenty more there, so it should be fine.”