I wanted to be an all-rounded athlete for as long as I could remember but growing up, that came with a set of rules and values. Hard work, discipline and showing up on time has been the trifecta ingrained in my system and that is my way of showing respect to myself and the community that has been lifting me up. More than a decade in, I still love the grind, the pain, the blood, sweat and tears and the strength of the human mind to get back up every time I fall.

Iron sharpens iron and thus, when I’m coaching, I get inspired by students putting in the work and leaving no stones unturned. When I’m out there competing, I know talent and experience can only take me so far and the rest comes from the hours I’ve put into the gym. That is why I stay disciplined, show up on time, work hard and stay the course.

The road ahead is long and arduous but nothing good in life is free and to earn my keep, I stay hungry to push the envelopes of my boundaries. Every day is an opportunity to be better and I will never take that for granted.

I am Aziz, and I am a Vitamode Athlete.