The 2009 Australian Champion missed selection for the Beijing games by just two places – finishing sixth with only the top four taken to the 2008 games.

The 22-year-old had struggled getting to events while surviving on the modest winnings of a pro BMX rider.

In a sport where world rankings and Olympic selection are based on points accumulated throughout a season, the financial trouble was a major set back to his 2008 campaign.

“You can’t really get by just racing BMX unless you are in the (United) States,” Jolliffe said.

“It probably held me back a bit, not having the money to get to all the events.”

With the lesson learnt, Jolliffe decide to take a job as a sign writer.

Balancing time on the track with work has paid off, and he led the field from start to finish to win the Australian title in Perth this year.

More reward followed with Jolliffe awarded a scholarship this month to help jump financial obstacles on the way to Manchester.

He was one of 12 talented Hunter region athletes awarded Greater Building Society scholarships.

The scholarships for competitors in Olympic sports are donated to the Hunter Academy of Sport each year and then awarded to athletes who have the potential to make the games.

Jolliffe said the extra money would definitely contribute to his next attempt at Olympic selection.

“Every bit counts. It will help with travel expenses getting to events, which helps get noticed,” he said.

“You have to race as much as possible to get better.”