Double delight for Nur Azlia after just three months on the saddle

IT took only three months for Nur Azlia Syafinaz to become a double gold medallist at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games.

The 19-year-old never rode on a bicycle before June this year. Visually impaired since birth, Nur Azlia even lost her balance while riding tandem on the track.

But yesterday, Nur Azlia literally jumped for joy as she became a double gold medallist for Malaysia in the track cycling competition at the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negri Sembilan.

She partnered Noraidillina Adilla J. Sam to beat Singapore’s Emily Lee-Sarah Tan in two heats to win the women’s (B) tandem sprint final.

Nur Azlia-Adilla then earned their second gold by winning the women’s (B) 1km time trial in 1:19.359 ahead of teammates Nur Syahida Tajudin-Nur Rozi Yanti Mat Rodzi (1:20.353).

It was Nur Azlia-Noraidillina’s first competition. Adilla, however, had been training since January this year.

Penangite Nur Azlia, who was previously involved in athletics, was at a loss for words with her performance.

“I got an offer to take up cycling three months ago. I just took up the challenge. I was in athletics for seven years, competing in the 100m, 200m and long jump.

“But when the offer to be a national athlete for track cycling came in, I made the move as I wanted to try something new.

“My coach and family members also supported me,” said Nur Azlia, who bagged two bronzes when she represented Penang in athletics at the 2016 Malaysia Para Games in Kuching, Sarawak.

Noraidillina was also surprised to be winners in their first attempt.

“To be honest, we didn’t expect to win the gold in our first competition. We did the best we could to contribute to the country.

“I believe this will mean a lot to Nur Azlia as she just joined the team,” said Noraidillina.