KUALA LUMPUR – National track cyclist Datuk Azizulhasni Awang expressed gratitude after the International Cycling Union confirmed his qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games earlier today.
When Azizulhasni takes the stage in Paris, he will make history as the first Malaysian male athlete to compete in five Olympic Games.
“I am grateful to have officially qualified for the Paris Olympics, which will be my fifth appearance at the world’s biggest sporting event.
“This is historic for my legacy because I’m the first male athlete to achieve this feat for Malaysia,” said the Terengganu-born sprinter in an Instagram post.
Retired diver Datuk Leong Mun Yee was the first female Malaysian athlete to achieve this milestone, competing in Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020.
Azizulhasni made his Olympic debut in Beijing 2008 and participated in London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020. He won bronze in Rio and silver in Tokyo, both in his pet event, keirin.
The former world champion reflected on his extensive Olympic journey and the challenging qualification process for track cycling at the Summer Games.
“The qualifying process for track cycling is difficult and complex, adding to that all the external challenges that I have to face along the road.
“Every qualifying cycle is four years long, which means my involvement in the Olympics has taken 20 years.
“My participation in Paris is also interesting, where I will be at the ripe old age of 36. Usually, when an athlete reaches that age, many believe that their performance will start to decline.
“I have shown that it is not impossible to go against what is believed to be normal,” added Azizulhasni.
He also hinted at his desire to win an Olympic gold for the country.
“I believe the public knows that my involvement in sports is not only to qualify for the Olympics.
“From my debut in Beijing in 2008, my objective has been focused on a bigger goal. It has never wavered and I’ve always worked hard to turn it into reality for my beloved nation.
“I am in the final stages of preparation, and I ask that the entire country offer words of encouragement and pray for my success and that of other athletes fighting for the country in Paris,” said Azizulhasni.
Joining him in Paris are fellow track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom, Nurul Izzah Izzati Asri, road cyclist Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir, archer Ariana Nur Dania Mohmad Zairi, diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises, sailor Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif, shooter Johnathan Wong and weightlifter Aniq Kasdan. – April 23, 2024