"Even if she is an Olympian, she's still our little sister."
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With two older brothers, both talented at table tennis, it was only natural for Michelle Bromley to pick up a racket.
Initially, family competitions were at their most fierce when Rob and John Beaumont were opposing, that was until Michelle developed the finesse that has this year led her to be living out her Olympic dream.
Most nights the Beaumont siblings were found playing competitive table tennis rounds in the "little old tin shed" placed on their Gulgong property.
Given the age gaps, the brothers were all too chuffed to declare themselves victorious in the early days, but once Michelle became a teenager, the tables turned.
"As Michelle developed and grew up, she started sticking it to us," Rob said.
"It's never a great feeling when you lose to your little sister but it had to happen one day.
I don't dare take her on anymore, I prefer to play on her team.
- Rob Beaumont
"I don't think I could handle losing to her. I wouldn't even come close."
"She's such a competitor, she doesn't like to give you a point. She thinks we're still a chance at beating her so she'll try and win every point," John said.
"It's not a pleasant outing because nobody wants to lose to zero, especially not to your little sister."
After being by her side through all of the highs and lows, to say Rob and John are proud of Michelle for living out her dream as an Olympian is an understatement.
"I'm so excited to be able to watch my sister go out there and represent Australia in the Olympics like she has always dreamed," Rob said.
"Seeing the amount of fun she's been having through her Instagram posts, it's obvious she's already having the time of her life."
"I'm super proud to be one of her big brothers, I'm out there championing that at the minute," John said.
"After all these years, to finally get there is a huge achievement."
When anyone thinks of Michelle Bromley, three words come to mind - hard work, dedication, and drive.
The Beaumont brothers can attest to that after watching Michelle strive for Olympian-status despite multiple setbacks.
"I've never seen anyone so focused or determined with anything," Rob said.
"The amount of work she's put in over these years is a testament to that drive and determination she has."
"Michelle is proof that if you're happy to put in hard work, there aren't any barriers...and if you dream big, you can make it," John said.
While a gold medal would be "amazing", the Beaumont brothers hope Michelle is having the time of her life, and realises just how championed she is, especially in the Mid-Western region.
"I hope she goes out there and gives it her all, and knows that she has such a big support network here," John said.
"The support from the Mid-Western region isn't lost on her. She still considers herself a local, it's still home for all of us," Rob said.
"She'll be flying the flag just as much for the Mudgee region as she will for all of Australia.
"She is having an experience she'll remember forever."
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