TIMES may be tough, but that has not stopped bodybuilder Syarul Azman Mike Mahen from setting his sights on winning three major titles next year.
Despite being a four-time world champion and five-time Asian champion, the athletic physique specialist is excited at the prospect of competing at the Vietnam Sea Games next year.
Vietnam have included bodybuilding in their preliminary list of sports for the games.
The final lineup, however, will only be known by the end of the year as other countries have been appealing for the inclusion of various other sports.
"Although there are no competitions this year, I have been training as usual to maintain my level of fitness," said Syarul in a press conference in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
"My goal is to win all three competitions (Sea Games, World Championships, Asian Championships) next year.
"I may be a world champion, but I have never won a medal in multi-sport games before.
"One of my targets, before I retire, is to win a Sea Games gold medal.
"It has been a long time since bodybuilding has been part of the Sea Games (last being in 2013).
"It will be very competitive as athletes from Southeast Asia are very strong in the lighter weight categories (Under-60kg, Under-65kg and Under-70kg).
"I also know that Vietnam have strong athletes which is why they want to include the sport this time."
Bodybuilding is an elective sport in the Sea Games.
Syarul, who needs roughly RM3,000 a month to purchase protein food and supplements, has been struggling this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He is without sponsors as there are no competitions this year.
His manager Datuk Jake Abdullah urged the corporate sector to come forward and lend their support to athletes such as Syarul.
"This is an expensive sport. Most (athletes) spend a lot of money to represent the country," said Jake.
"I think it is very important for the corporate sector to come forward and help in some form."