THE 2012 London Olympic Games may be only a few minutes away for Kerang-based swimmer Kahlia Marsh. This season she has recorded a national trial time and will swim against the best that Australia has to offer in an attempt to claim a place in the 200-metre individual medley event in the London Games.

The Australian team trials take place in March at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre.

Did Kahlia, age 17, ever expect to be given such a unique and rare opportunity in her spot at such a young age?

"Well, a trial time was my aim for this year," she said yesterday.

"I wasn't sure if I'd get it but I'm really glad I have."

The confident swimmer will next take on regional opposition in Bendigo between tomorrow and Monday at the annual Victorian Country Championships.

Kahlia said that while she was unsure about her chances against the best swimmers in Australia at the Adelaide Olympic trials, she was very excited about simply being there.

"It doesn't matter what I do," she added.

"I just want to do a really good time and have the experience."

If she did make the Australian Olympic swimming team and score a trip to the London Games as a result, not finishing last in her first heat would be the minimum performance standard Kahlia would want to meet.

And she would love - if at all possible - to bring the whole of Kerang with her on the journey.

"I'd try and get tickets for everyone!" said Kahlia.

"I don't think that would happen, but I'd try!"

Aside from the Olympic trials, the rest of 2012 will remain a busy one for the young swimming star.

"At the moment I've just changed coaches," Kahlia said.

"So hopefully [there's] a lot more hard training, trying to improve on all my strokes and making some more trial times."