Tallent is the defending Commonwealth Games champion, a title he won in Delhi 2010 in an event left out of the Glasgow 2014 athletics program.

Delhi was where Tallent and wife Claire captured hearts as gold and silver medallists for 20km walks.

Claire is back in strong form on the international stage after the birth of their first child Harvey, born in May.

For Tallent, who turns 33 this month, it will be a tough challenge on the Gold Coast in April. He must drop back in distance from his pet 50km race to the faster-paced 20km after battling prolonged hamstring injuries most of this year.

He is enjoying some rest this week, and the chance to take Harvey to his childhood farm.