KUALA LUMPUR: National track cyclist Shah Firdaus Sahrom believes it is unfair to compare him with his decorated teammate Azizulhasni Awang.
The 28-year-old said each athlete "has a different journey" in their careers, with some reaching their peak earlier than others.
The keirin specialist has already tasted success at the international level, including winning bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and silver at the Cairo leg of the UCI Nations Cup last year.
But he has struggled with consistency, blowing hot and cold in recent seasons.
"I spend most of my time with him (Azizulhasni) because we are usually roommates. I often ask him for advice on many topics," said Shah recently.
"What I have learnt from his has allowed me to reach where I am today.
"But sometimes I feel that it is unfair for people to compare me to him because he has already achieved so much in the sport.
"When I was still playing in a ditch (as a kid), he was already at the Olympics.
"I am who I am. Some people are quick (to peak), some take longer.
"I just have to keep working hard and trust the process."
Shah believed he was capable of challenging the world's top riders in the major competitions, including the Paris Olympics in July.
"Every athlete that goes to the Olympics wants to win a medal. It is the ultimate competition," said Shah.
"Our mission there is to win the gold. But in the race, anything can happen. I can't say that I will definitely win there. I can't afford to be overconfident.
"In the keirin, everyone has a fair chance of winning it.
"We have seen this in high-level races before. Colombia (Kevin Quintero), for example, came out of nowhere to win last year's World Championship.
"I believe in my abilities. In Cairo (Nations Cup), all the top riders where there and I was able to fight for the podium, I was able to make the race.
"I just have to execute well in the race and make the right moves at the right time."
Shah, who made his Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, will be competing alongside Azizulhasni and debutante Izzah Izzati Asri in Paris.
Azizulhasni, 36, won silver in the keirin at Tokyo 2020 and bronze at Rio 2016. He won the world championships title in 2017.