For some athletes, it means putting the paper chase on the back burner.
For others, it means staying away from pubs and clubs the night before a big match.
For national paddler Li Jiawei, it means more time on court and less time with husband of three months, Li Chao.
The world No.7 plans to give her all in the chase for medals at the 2012 Olympics.
On Tuesday, Singapore Table Tennis Association president Lee Bee Wah had set a two-medal target for the women paddlers at the London Games.
Jiawei's focus on her sport is something Li Chao, a Beijing businessman, understands.
During an exclusive photo shoot of the couple's wedding preparations at bridal boutique White Link yesterday, he told The Straits Times: 'She will definitely play in the next Olympics and I will support her table tennis aspirations.
'After all, she's been playing the sport her whole life.'
While he accepts that table tennis remains her top priority, he hopes they will be able to start a family before the 2012 Games.
'When it comes to kids, you can't just say you want them and you'll have them. But, hopefully, we can have one before the Olympics,' he said.
The couple plan to have more than one child.
As she had her make-up and hair done to match her off-shoulder evening gown with hand-sewn Swarovski crystals, Jiawei, an only child, said: 'One child will be too lonely. We want at least two children.'
While Li Chao is willing to make concessions now, he would like her to concentrate on the family once her playing days are over.
They do not know when that will be, but Jiawei will be 31 years old after the London Games.
Li Chao said: 'If Singapore wants her to continue, she will probably try to do her part.
'I'm not sure if she will be at her peak then, but paddlers like Wang Chen have shown that it is possible.'
Wang is a China-born paddler. At 34, she represented the United States at the Beijing Olympics.
Li Chao added that Jiawei is aware that she owes her success to Singapore and will try her best to represent the Republic for as long as she can.
'She always tells me that the Singapore system made her into the player she is. I think so too,' he added.
But if he had a say, it is unlikely that she will extend her career till her mid-30s.
He said: 'Personally, I would like her to take care of the kids.'