Meet Gen.t
After bagging the World Keirin Champion title in 2017, the professional track cyclist continues to inspire us to dream big regardless of where we come from
Cyclist Azizulhasni Awang continues to inspire us to dream big
Growing up in a small town, Azizulhasni has recollections of his early childhood filled with exciting and strenuous outdoor activities, one of which that led him to his career today. His passion towards cycling emerged when he first visited the mountain bike outdoor track. Once dared by his playmates to cycle down a steep slope with just a regular bike, the Terengganu native did not take no for an answer and left his friends astounded by his fearlessness. Earning the moniker Pocket Rocketman, Azizul has won multiple Asian and world titles in Keirin events. Here, he breaks down what success means to him and what keeps him going.
Have right mindset,
be consistent in developing a high discipline and be eager to learn more. When I moved to Melbourne, I gave my 110 per cent in all my training sessions, improved in the areas I was lacking, and picked up the high-performance mentality from the Australian sports culture. I’m also pursuing my studies in sports science to have a better understanding of the theory and practicality of sports. I believe more knowledge will bring us further in life.
True success is not measured only by the outcome.
It’s also the process that you go through and how you make a difference in others’ lives. I want to be recognised as someone who always does his best. Knowing that my achievements inspire others to chase their dreams or turn their life around, makes me start my day with a big smile.
Size does not matter.
I remember my senior telling me to stop dreaming of becoming a world champion because it is absurd and impossible given my physical size. A bigger size in this sport is a bonus as you need strength to be able to use a bigger gear to gain more speed, but I held on to my dream. My hard work paid off when I became the first Malaysian to win the World Championship in a Keirin event and earned the coveted rainbow jersey in 2017.
Believe in your decision.
People may give you advice, but you’re the only one who knows what you’re capable of and what’s best for you. Many discouraged my decision to get married at an early age, assuming that my performance will deteriorate or lead to an early retirement. But I proved them wrong. Having a family acts as a backbone in my career and drives me to be better. In fact, being a father to my two beautiful daughters will always be my proudest moment.
Achievements are just the tip of iceberg.
All the unseen hardships are under the surface of the water. Training gets harder during world championship—i once tore my adductor muscle while doing a leg press that weighed almost 300kg. All the risks, hardships and obstacles that I endure makes it even more interesting and I love every single bit of it.