As the countdown to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games begins, we catch up with Aniq Kasdan to discuss his journey to the most celebrated sports arena on the planet.

In the realm of world-class weightlifting where he achieved a standout performance at the 2023 IWF Grand Prix, Mohamad Aniq Kasdan maintains a grounded perspective, acknowledging he still has much ground to cover in pursuit of his ambitions. "I believe discipline, humility and respect are paramount for any athlete," he reflects. As the sixth Malaysian qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Aniq traces his passion for weightlifting back to training sessions with his brother. "I initially found the sport both challenging and deeply satisfying," he recalls. Those tentative steps have since propelled him to a coveted place in history's most revered sporting event, elevating Malaysia's stature as a formidable force in the global competitive weightlifting arena. With great success comes great responsibility. Having triumphed in numerous competitions, from the Commonwealth Games to the Southeast Asian Games and World Weightlifting Championships, how do you manage the pressure and expectations for each new event? Every new event brings with it a set of fresh expectations and pressures that must be navigated. To manage the heightened demands and expectations, I rely on positive self-talk as a tool to overcome challenges and maintain focus. On your Olympic preparation, what does your training schedule look like? I dedicate five days every week to rigorous training in preparation for the Olympics during which my coach diligently assigns specific tasks to enhance my performance.

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Can you recall your first weightlifting competition? How did you feel and what was going through your mind at that time? Competing in the National Weightlifting Championship in Sarawak marked my debut in competitive weightlifting, where I faced a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. Despite these emotions, I channelled them into a driving force to excel in the competition, knowing that avoiding defeat was crucial. Gathering my thoughts, I focused on giving my absolute best performance. Reflecting on your achievements, how do you feel about the numerous milestones you've reached? I take pride in my achievements because they reflect the hard work I've invested. However, I remain grounded, knowing there's much more to learn on my journey to becoming a top competitor in this sport. I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support from my family, friends, coaches and fellow Malaysians. Their encouragement and motivation have been instrumental in shaping my path, and I attribute much of my success to their belief in me. At just 22 years old, you're already competing in the Olympics. What's next for you? It&rsquo;s crazy when I got to think about competing in the Olympics at this age but there are younger athletes out there who have qualified themselves in the competition. However, my journey in this sport has taught me that dreams can indeed come true, and it's crucial never to underestimate oneself. Looking ahead, my next goal is to achieve success by winning as many competitions as possible.

"...my journey in this sport has taught me that dreams can indeed come true, and it's crucial never to underestimate oneself."

What drives you to keep pushing forward every day? My drive to keep moving forward is fuelled by my deep desire to ensure my family is free from hardship in the future. And what is your biggest fear in life? Despite achieving numerous milestones, my greatest fear in life revolves around the possibility of not being able to adequately support my loving family who have always stood by me through thick and thin. Just out of curiosity, what songs are currently on repeat on your playlist? That has to be Kupu-Kupu by Tiara Andini.

CREDITS: Photography Cham Zihao Creative Direction &amp; Styling Syazil Abd Rahim Grooming Joey Yap Hair Angeline Low Photography Assitant Saiful Azwan Styling Assistants Amelia Tan &amp; Fekar Khairul

Interview: The iron strength of Aniq Kasdan

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