NILAI – Malaysia’s cycling champion, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, has once again stepped into the spotlight, expressing his unwavering determination to win the gold medal at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in July.
However, the Youth and Sports Ministry has yet to set an official target for the Malaysian contingent.
Three years ago, ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Azizul voiced the same ambition, shouldering the responsibility to become Malaysia’s first athlete to claim gold since badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei’s retirement.
Despite being 36 years old and recently recovering from heart issues, Azizul remains resolute in his quest to end Malaysia’s wait for a gold medal at the world’s biggest sporting event.
“I believe everyone understands why I’m still part of the national team. I wouldn’t continue if it were solely about competing. As I’ve said before, I wouldn’t waste my time.
“To be at the high-performance level, there are many sacrifices we need to make. I think everyone knows why I’m here. My overall target will be handed over to the team, my coach, John (Beasley) and Datuk Amarjit Singh (deputy president).
“But even without me saying it, everyone knows my goal.
“My personal target, I do want the gold medal, but I still have to respect all plans and decisions of the team regarding our targets. But for me, I want to complete my journey after winning bronze and silver medals,” said Azizul at a press conference with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation at the National Velodrome, Nilai, today.
Reflecting on his Tokyo experience, Azizul’s pursuit of gold was thwarted by British cyclist Jason Kenny’s early surge in the keirin event final.
However, undeterred, Azizul is back and determined to accomplish what he started since his debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, rounding off his Olympic medal collection after earning bronze and silver in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Tokyo 2020, respectively.
This is my fifth Olympics, which I didn’t expect to achieve because, based on the past Olympics (Tokyo 2020) and my heart condition, I was considering retirement.
“Even my mother and family have advised me that there is nothing more for me to pursue, but I still have determination.
“I still have unfinished business, and this time around, I want to give 110%, whatever the outcome will be, I will be happy, because last time I wasn’t happy with the result due to my condition,” he added. – April 26, 2024