For Sally Conway, a Judo World Championship medal is the final piece of the puzzle in what has been a decorated career.
A bronze at Rio 2016, silver at the European Championships in Tel Aviv earlier this year and countless Grand Prix and Grand Slam podiums mean that the elusive Worlds has proved the exception and not the rule.
Conway, then, is keen to put this right, to fill that final gap in her impressive medal cabinet once and for all as she approaches the upcoming Worlds in Baku.
“I would love to finish my career with a medal, so to come away with a medal I’d be over the moon,” said the 31-year-old.
“In myself I want to go out and perform and do the best I can on the day, which will give me the best chance of getting a medal.
“And just to enjoy it, I’ve always got to remember that – If I enjoy something I’m more likely to be better at it.”
The Scottish judoka has certainly given herself the best chance to do just that, thanks to what has been another very successful year.
Gold at the Paris Grand Slam, bronze medals at three consecutive Grand Prix events as well as the aforementioned European silver seems to have been the ideal preparation for Baku.
And a short break from competition in recent weeks has only served to replenish the hunger required for a tilt at world championship gold.
“In February I won gold at the Paris Grand Slam and the whole day was amazing,” she continued.
“I beat the former world champion [Arai Chizuru] in the final, it was such a special occasion hearing the national anthem in front of the whole stadium. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
“In the last couple of tournaments, I haven’t felt tip-top but I’ve managed to come away with two bronze medals and qualifying points.
“I’ve been recouping, taking some rest and relaxation, and felt like mentally I needed to take a break, so now I’m excited to be back on the mat, ready and raring to go before the World Championships.”
Whilst she still rightly revels in wins over champion judoka, Conway recognises that she herself has become something of a scalp since Rio.
When previously she may have entered the mat daunted by the prospect of facing up against Olympic medallists, Conway now has to deal with the added pressure that notoriety brings – something that she is certainly wary of.
“I know in the past I’ve come up against world champions and Olympic champions and felt like I’ve got nothing to lose and fought my best fights,” she added.
“I remember coming up against a former champion before the Olympics and they announced all her results, and I think I lost before I even entered the mat.
“Sometimes I think it does work in my favour, but I don’t take it for granted.”
And with 16-years of experience on the circuit, it isn’t only Conway’s reputation that has been shaped by her success.
Countless tournaments and triumphs have moulded her preparation strategy, and despite her desire to medal in Baku, she’ll be heading into the Worlds treating it like any other event.
“There isn’t an easy fight any more, so I approach each fight exactly the same because anyone can beat anyone regardless of what they’ve done in the past,” she said.
“I used to approach World Championships or Europeans separately to other tournaments and that added more pressure, so now I try to approach each tournament in the same way.
“For me it’s helped make me more consistent, I try my best in every tournament.
“I listen to my body, know when to rest, and make sure that everything I’m doing helps what I’m doing on the day.”
Sportsbeat 2018