There is, of course, not one definitive route to the top of any sport, but certain stepping stones can provide a clear indication of being on the right path.

For Watford’s Ollie Taverner, the latest stride in his rise, and perhaps the most significant to date, comes in the form of a Team GB call-up for the European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF).

The event, which takes place in Gyor, Hungary next month, will offer the 16-year-old his first taste of an Olympic-style competition and has proven to be a breeding ground for future Olympians.

Rebecca Adlington, Peter Kennaugh, Sally Conway and Nile Wilson are all Olympic medallists and are all EYOF alumni, leaving the swimmer in no doubt about the magnitude of his selection.

“It ranks very highly in my achievements. Apart from breaking records I would say it is the biggest thing I have done because it is my first GB team,” he explained.

“It has always been a dream since I was young to represent a GB team and it is finally all coming together. Hopefully I will be able to progress to the seniors down the line.

“To be selected makes you feel special more than anything and it is really nice to think I am one of only 16 in the swimming category.”

But what of replicating those who have gone before him and making it to an Olympic Games?

Tokyo 2020 is a realistic aim for the Watford Swimming Club member and various records at junior levels suggest he has the capability to make the leap.

Taverner, however, remains level-headed in his forecast for the future and, while being in Japan in three years is an ambition, he insists it is not the be all and end all.

“It is great inspiration for the future. If they can make it to the Olympics then anybody can do it. It is a confidence boost to go forward in the sport I love,” he said.

“Making it to the Olympics is becoming clearer, but there is always time. That is more important to remember than anything else.

“If it doesn’t happen in three years’ time then it can happen at the next games. There is no rush to make it to Tokyo.

“If it happens, it happens and if it doesn’t I will just be focusing on the next one and putting in four solid years of training.”

Taverner’s immediate focus lies in Hungary and a test against swimmers who share his drive and his quality in the pool.

Some 3,000 athletes from 50 countries across Europe will compete at EYOF and Taverner is aiming to rise to the challenge.

“It will be a really good test physically and mentally because it is a new environment and I have never been there before,” he said.

“My aim at the moment is to enjoy the experience, take it all in and use it as a learning curve. If things go well and I progress to the semis or final, then the aim is of course to win.”