It's gold or bust for New Zealand shot putter Tom Walsh at next year's Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.
At the last Commonwealth Games in 2014, Walsh won silver, after Jamaican O'Dayne Richards threw a Games-record 21.61 m in the final.
But Walsh has been putting in the hard yards an the gym to ensure that he will be victorious this time round.
"There is no other option than gold, for sure," said Walsh.
"I am ranked No 1 in the Commonwealth and obviously there is pressure that comes with that, but I believe I have what's needed to take care of business.
"But if I throw 22 m on the Gold Coast and somebody else throws 22.50m, that's just bad luck and that is something you have to come to grips with in the competition - sometimes you are just beaten by a better person on the day."
But Walsh admitted he was feeling confident, after finishing last season with a bang, winning gold at the World Athletics Championships in August.
The Kiwi emerged on top with a throw of 22.03m, which he then bettered the following month in Croatia with 22.21m.
"Self-belief is big for me, because it's given me a lot of confidence to know I can beat anyone on any day.
"Going about it the way I did, leading from round one to round six, I couldn't have asked for it be any better myself."
To help prepare for the Commonwealth Games, Athletics New Zealand has revealed details of a five-event international series in March, with several of the world's best shot putters competing.
One of those events will be held in Walsh's hometown of Timaru, with the others being staged in Christchurch, Whanganui and two in Auckland.
The Olympic bronze medallist can't wait to compete in front of his hometown supporters.
"It's great fun to take it down to my hometown in Timaru, where I'm originally from, and Christchurch as well.
"It's something I've always wanted to do.
"I think it is a great build-up for the Comm Games - I think you have to be mentally ready for street comps, because there are more distractions going on."
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