Trinidad and Tobago powerlifter Adrian Brown has accomplished many things, won many titles and has established himself as one of the top athletes in his field.
In spite of all his accolades, one of his main goals, however, is to represent this country and to fly the national flag on the Olympic medal podium.
One look at the dreadlocked sportsman and it is obvious that he is destined to take his place among the ranks of powerlifting's greatest achievers.
At 38 years of age, Brown, who has been competing in his discipline since since he burst onto the stage in 2008, is a picture of determination.
His first competitive outing saw him taking the silver medal in the 100kg weight class at the T&T Powerlifting Federation's National Championships.
Later that year, Brown copped silver and bronze in the squat and deadlift exercises respectively at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Aruba.
In 2010 he improved on his performance, winning the overall title in the 100kg weight class at the Caribbean Powerlifting Championships which was held in Georgetown, Guyana.
However, when the competition came around again in 2011, Brown was unsuccessful in his defence of his overall title and had to settle for second place.
Describing 2012 as his best year, Brown placed first in the 100kg weight class and was adjudged Best Male Overall at the Trinidad and Tobago National Powerlifting Championships.
In March of that year he won the Bronze medal in the All American Powerlifting event at the Arnold Sports Festival.
He then dominated the Caribbean Powerlifting Championships which was held in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, placing first in his weight class.
Last July he debuted at the North American Powerlifting Championships in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and placed third at the event.
In March of this year, Brown earned Gold and Bronze at the Trinidad and Tobago National Powerlifting Championships and the Arnold Sports Festival respectively.
And what is the secret to Brown's continued success?
He explained that his dedication and desire for improvement have been two of his biggest motivational factors.
"The sport is still growing and is more internationally recognised as opposed to locally," he said.
"There is a future in this regardless of how it may seem locally and once you see an opportunity, you have to grasp it with both hands."
With a sigh Brown continued that even though T&T has produced many talented athletes in a wide range of disciplines, more must be done to further catapult the nation's powerlifters to international success.
He added that in many countries, various organisations have placed focus on identifying sporting potential and helping those with raw talent to hone their skills.
"Most of the time we in T&T will wait until an athlete has established himself at either the national or regional level before he is recognised.
"Gyms have to show more interest in it because through the gyms clubs are formed."
In spite of the challenges that he faces, Brown, who was one of the nominees for the FCB Sportsman of the Year 2012 title, holds firm to his dream of competing and medalling on an Olympic powerlifting stage.
"Don't be surprised if you see me representing T&T in the next Olympics in 2016."
"Things are looking very favourable and we will just have to keep our fingers crossed," he ended.