DIDIN Taresoh might have been throwing javelins instead of smashing shuttlecocks if not for the voice in his head.
The Sabah-born teacher started as a javelin thrower before switching to badminton.
In fact, he had some international success with the javelin in 2014, representing Malaysia at the Beijing International Para Athletics Championships where he won a bronze.
However, Didin realised that the athletes from China and several other countries were much stronger physically, making him aware that his chances of further success in javelin would be limited.
His mind told him that he should stick to his first love — badminton.
Didin eventually decided to focus on the SH6 (short stature) in para-badminton, and his rise was phenomenal.
He was crowned world champion after making his debut in the World Para-badminton championships in 2015 at the age of 40.
"I represented Malaysia in javelin and won a bronze in Beijing. However, my rivals were physically stronger, I wasn't confident of making it big in the event," said Didin.
"So, I decided to focus fully on badminton and I have been able to achieve success so far.
"Despite my age, I was able to compete with the best and be on par with them.
"Badminton has also brought me to the Paralympics and gives me the opportunity to earn a medal at the highest honour."
Didin followed up his victory in the 2015 world badminton meet with successes at the 2017 Asean Para Games in Kuala Lumpur and 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta.
Didin hopes to bring home a gold from Tokyo but he faces a tough challenge from five others at the Paralympics.
His rivals are Britain's world champion Jack Shephard and Krysten Coombs, India's Nagar Krishna, Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai and Brazil's Vitor Gonzalves Tavares.
With little to separate the six, Didin will have to be at his best during the group stage to secure a place in the semi-finals.
"Based on current results, Nagar is likely to be the top seed. The group stage will be very crucial and I must be well prepared."
Despite his age, Didin, 46, is not thinking of retiring after the Paralympics as he aims to retain his Asean para title in Hanoi next year and go for a hat-trick in Myanmar in 2023.
"I will continue playing until there is an able replacement in my category. But the Asean Para Games in 2023 could be my last major event," he said.
