Kathryn Mitchell pinpointed 2012 as the year that would decide her fate as a javelin thrower.
And immediately after contesting the Olympic final on Thursday, the bubbly part-time fitness trainer had already locked in her answer.
"My future basically depended on 2012," she said after finishing ninth at her debut Olympics.
"So I can say that I'll do another Olympic round, all going to plan.
"I'll be here for another few years."
Mitchell, 30, was off her best in front of a capacity crowd at Olympic Stadium, finishing with a best throw of 59.46 metres from three attempts.
A metre more would have given her a chance at another three throws.
But the Victorian was far from disappointed, saying the experience capped off a highly successful year.
She has improved her personal best by five metres this year and also showed consistency in her recent spell in Europe, regularly delivering throws over 60m.
She blamed in part the thrill of the competition in London for not doing the same in the Olympic final.
It's the first time she's ever been through the qualification process to contest a final
"Just the energy in the stadium, it drains you and there's a lot of waiting around," she said.
"I've got huge credit for athletes that can pull it out on the day. It really takes something special.
"A lot of girls really struggled out there."
Russia's Maria Abakumova finished 10th just behind Mitchell, a shock result for the reigning world champion.
Czech Barbora Spotakova took gold with a throw of 69.55m to defend her 2008 Beijing title - the succsessful defence in the women's javelin in 36 years.
Germany's Christina Obergfoll claimed the silver to improve on her bronze in Beijing.
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