KUALA LUMPUR: Weightlifter Aniq Kasdan is determined to make it count when it matters at the Paris Olympics from July 26 to Aug 11.
Aniq, who has been earmarked as a potential medallist in Paris, has already put in the hard yards and it is now a matter of fine tuning his preparations for the games.
Besides his usual training regime, the 21-year-old is placing an added focus on his mental preparation, especially in terms of confidence and composure.
"Like it or not, I have to be confident," said Aniq recently.
"My coach, team members and a lot of other people I have met are confident in my abilities, so why should I doubt myself?
"I have to prepare myself mentally and have that self-belief which is so important. I have to train myself psychologically.
"It will be my first time competing at the Olympics, so I expect some nerves. This is something I have to learn to control.
"It was so difficult to qualify for Paris, so now that I am in, I have to give it my best shot."
He is hoping to achieve 305kg (total lifts) in Paris, which should put him in contention for a medal.
Aniq said he will be heading to Turkiye for a training camp next month.
"We will spend some time training in Rompin (this month) before heading to Turkiye.
"I won't be competing in any tournaments there. The purpose of training in Turkiye is to adapt to the weather and make sure I am not affected by jet lag in Paris."
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist said his family is his No. 1 motivation and is what pulls him through during difficult moments.
"Of course family comes first," said Aniq, who is from Segamat, Johor.
"Whatever success I achieve, it is all for my family, my parents especially.
"I live and train in Bukit Jalil now, so I very rarely get to go home to Segamat.
"But my family understands. They know that I will only go home after my competitions end.
"I usually spend a week there when I go back. I have a special place to train there now, so I won't be cracking any floors anymore.
"The floors have been fixed. They are nice and smooth now," he added in jest.
During his formative years, Aniq cracked the cement floor at his family home three times from the impact of his heavy weights during training.