Murphy is hoping to become New Zealand's first Winter Olympics representative in biathlon, a sport combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, but is unlikely to know whether she will be selected in the team until next week, less than three weeks out from the Games' start on February 12.
"2010 Olympics has been my goal since I was 13 years old ... that is almost half my life. I am trying to just focus on the now, but sometimes it is so nerve racking knowing my dreams might be shattered by one email," the 21-year-old told NZPA from Antholz, Italy.
Murphy's selection, along with many other potential Olympics athletes, is dependent on international quotas and whether a place is available for New Zealand.
"What we have is a nation ranking system based off of points. Each athlete (up to four) contributes to this point system, so when you are one athlete it is difficult to be very highly ranked," Murphy said.
"Because I am the only person contributing to the points, I am fighting against teams with four people. Even if I was beating everyone, I would still be behind." Murphy, who was born in Canada, said countries of a similar size would likely be facing the same sorts of delays.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding her place in the New Zealand team, Murphy said she was continuing to train as though she would be competing.
"You cannot let it affect you. I am still a world class athlete competing at the highest level and you cannot let your training waiver. Many athletes are waiting until the last moment, but if I do not go to the 2010 Olympics I still have my sights set on 2014 and must continue to train and grow my strength for those Games as well."
Murphy said she expected the team to be confirmed by about January 27, but that it could be as late as the 30th.
"There is nothing anyone can do but wait, so that is all we are doing. We have had to organise everything as if I am going though -- plane tickets, accommodation, uniforms -- because it is completely necessary, but nobody knows what will happen."
New Zealand Olympic Committee secretary Barry Maister said waiting on the international sports bodies to provide quotas was frustrating, but that it was beyond his control.
