Big David Liti is as famous for his larger-than-life personality as he is for his weightlifting prowess - and both traits have earned him a trip to his second Olympics at Paris later this year.
Liti, 27, is a former Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist, and finished fifth in the +102kg division at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he tried to pass himself as a 100-metre sprinter.
"I might say I'm a cyclist at this Olympics, just because of the Tour de France," he said. "Or maybe a professional croissant eater."
At the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Game, Liti was awarded the David Dixon Award for sporting spirit, when he helped injured Samoan rival Lauititi Lui receive his silver medal in a wheelchair.
NZ Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol insists Liti is an important contributor to the team culture.
"David has been a member of many of our teams, spanning Olympic, Commonwealth and Pacific Games," she said. "He brings a fantastic energy to our team and we look forward to supporting him in Paris."
Liti qualified for the Olympic with victory at the Oceania championships, where he lifted a combined total of 413kg, just one kilogram off the personal best at saw him finish just off the podium at Tokyo.
"I'm feeling strong," he said. "I finished this Oceania qualifying period lifting way more than I was at the start and I'm tracking well to do some big numbers by Paris."
