KUALA LUMPUR – National track cyclist Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri is already eyeing beyond the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, with her sights set on the Los Angeles 2028 Games, despite the ongoing qualifying period, which ends in April.
Standing at 152cm, Nurul Izzah specialises in sprint events, including team sprint, individual sprint, keirin, and the 500m time trial.
Her performance at the recently concluded Nations Cup in Adelaide saw her secure the 33rd position in the keirin, 28th in the individual sprint, and ninth place in the team sprint event alongside teammates Anis Amira Rosidi and Nurul Aliana Syafika Azizan.
Malaysia’s last female representative in track cycling at the Olympics was Fatehah Mustapa, who took part in the individual sprint at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
“I’m aiming to qualify for Los Angeles 2028. While Paris remains a possibility, the competition is tough.
“I’m currently in the top 30 and I need to get into the top five. The qualifying period will end in April, so it’s looking impossible for me to do that, which makes LA28 a more realistic target,” said the 21-year-old when contacted by Scoop.
However, the Kedahan, who won gold in the 500m time trial at the 2022 Asian Track Cycling Championships in India, has not completely given up on Paris.
“If there is a chance to qualify for Paris it would definitely be in the keirin and sprint, unfortunately, my favourite 500m time trial is not being contested in Paris.
“It is tough for me to qualify in the two events as I need to collect a lot of points between now and April, but I will give it my all.
“Even if I miss qualifying for the Olympics, we still have the SEA Games in Thailand next year to prepare for,” said Nurul Izzah, who will next head to India for the Asian Track Cycling Championships.
Reflecting on her performance, the Jitra-born speedster admits to battling nerves, especially when faced with competitors of larger stature.
“I get scared and nervous when I see the other competitors who are bigger than me, the crowd too makes me nervous.
“I need to strengthen my mental fortitude to stay positive and brave during competitions.
“I think it is just a lack of experience; with more races, I will gain that and be able to handle pressure better,” said the 2021 national junior road race champion. – February 11, 2024