Kalai Vanen
Powerlifting

Q: Please introduce yourself.

I’m Kalai Vanen, Team Singapore Para powerlifter. I started the sport since 2015.

Q: How often do you train?

I do my benching three times a week. For the other two or three days in the week, I would do other accessory exercises in the gym to strength the joints and muscles.

Q: What are some of the toughest moments you’ve experienced as an athlete?

Some of the toughest moments I’ve experienced as an athlete is trying to juggle work, training, my age, and the fact that I need a bit of extra time to recover as compared to my teammate Aini, who’s younger. I’ve also had several injuries to cope with.

Q: How do you feel leading up to a competition?

Of course leading up to a competition, we are always in training. We prepare ourselves mentally and physically, but being human, just before a competition, there’s always a bit of hesitation and anxiety. But when it’s time to compete, I think we can put it aside and do what’s required.

Q: What are your hopes for the 2020 ASEAN Para Games?

I started in 2015, lifting 140 kilos for the 8th ASEAN Para games. I’m almost 60 now. I think I can only rely on my coach’s training program, my will to succeed and not give up, and do the best I can for the Manila Games.

"We prepare ourselves mentally and physically, but being human, just before a competition, there’s always a bit of hesitation and anxiety."