Jason Smyth will spearhead Ireland's challenge for medals at the Beijing Paralympics in September.
The 21-year-old sprinter from Eglinton in County Londonderry boasts a superb CV which includes two golds at the 2006 Paralympics World Championships.
The visually-impaired athlete is also the world record holder in the T12/13 100m with a time of 10.85 seconds set when winning gold at the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester in May.
It has been a quick rise to the top for Smyth, who after just five years in athletics is the dominant force in his sprint category.
He will compete in both the 100m and 200m in China and Smyth is in good shape as the countdown continues to the ultimate test.
"I've been running quicker this season than I ever have so it's looking promising," he told BBC Sport.
"But it's been two years since the world championships and it's hard to tell what the competition is going to be like in Beijing.
"You don't know whose around or what other runners are doing so it is hard to predict."
"I've competed in China for the past two years - it is warm and humid but I know what to expect and I'm not worried about it.
Football was the favoured sport for the Liverpool fan at school until his PE teacher asked him to try out athletics.
"I said I would go along to keep her happy," added Smyth.
"I met my coach Malcolm McCausland and after a few years I realised I could get into the paralympics and there was funding to allow me to go full-time.
"If you keep focused on the goal at the end of the season it's definitely worth it"
"Once I knew this I decided to stick with it."
Smyth is in action in Italy next weekend and then the Irish seniors the following week.
It is all preparation for Beijing with the aim to be in peak condition in early September.
It also takes mental strength to be a champion and Smyth believes he has the qualities needed to be highest on the podium.
"A lot of small things make a big difference in such a short race.
"There are so many things you can do to improve, for example reacting quickly out of the blocks.
"It is the thought of winning which keeps you going - I started training in October but my first race was not until May.
"If you keep focused on the goal at the end of the season it's definitely worth it.
"As for the race itself you have to focus only on yourself and not worry about anyone else.
"You must not let anyone beside you try to intimidate you.
"You have to ignore them and just think about what you're going to do in the race.
"Beijing will be a great experience and I just hope everything goes well."
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