An average day for Lara Hamilton could start with running through the mountains in the morning, then skiing up a mountain in the afternoon, working her part-time digital marketing job in the evening, DJing events into the early morning, and recording and releasing her own music some time in between.

It is exhausting and exhilarating, fuelled by passion and ambition. And not much money — or sleep.

The Sydneysider, now based in France, is a world-class trail runner and is trying to qualify for ski mountaineering's (skimo) Olympic debut in Milano Cortina in February.

"[I spend] in excess of 17 to 20 hours a week trying to train for two sports, and it does take over your life," she said.

"I also have a few part-time jobs, because that's just the reality of it. If you pick mountain sports

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