Adelaide Now Australia
by:Ben Harvy
From:News Limited newspapers
Ali Abdo is looking to seal the deal on a ticket to the London Olympics in Morocco this weekend. Picture: Colleen Petch.Source: News Limited
TRIPLE Olympian Ali Abdo has vowed to push for a fifth consecutive Olympic Games in 2016 if he can secure a ticket to London at the wrestling trials in Morocco this weekend.
But winning a qualifying spot for Australia is only half the battle.
A triumph in either the Freestyle 74kg or Greco-Roman 84kg division means the 31-year-old must defend his right to represent Australia at a national competition in May.
But for the moment Abdo is just focused on continuing his good form overseas.
“I’m feeling pretty confident, I’m definitely wrestling the best I ever have,” he said. “But I guess that just comes with age and a bit more experience.
“In the last couple of months I’ve wrestled quite good.”
Abdo started his fourth Olympic campaign with a win in the Freestyle under 74kg division and Greco-Roman under 84kg division at the national championships in June last year.
Then in November he qualified for Morocco with wins in the same two weight divisions in Sydney.
“It feels really good to be up at the top level for the last three Olympics, for me that’s the definition of dedication and persistence,” he said.
“I love this sport and if I make it (to London) that will probably inspire me to go for number five.
“Very few people have made it to five Olympics in a row and for me it’s just such a big honour.”
Abdo made his debut for Australia when he was 19 years old at the Sydney Olympics. His best result came in Beijing in 2008 when he was eliminated in the round of 32 losing to Ahmet Gulhan from Turkey.
Now the veteran believes he is in the best shape of his life.
“I changed up my strength and conditioning and I’m feeling so much stronger,” he said.
“I’m reading the play a lot better and executing moves a lot better.”
With more experience than most at wrestling’s highest level, Abdo knows mentally he cannot be beaten.
“I like to think about the final match, and beating my opponent and then standing on the podium.”
“Just the thought of that gives me a little push, a little bit more motivation.”
Abdo will compete in the Freestyle competition today and Greco-Roman tomorrow.
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