Melbourne in lockdown but our stars pedal on
PETALING JAYA: Melbourne is back under lockdown but Olympics-bound Malaysian cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom can breathe easy. They can still continue with their daily track training.
The two have been given special exemption to train as professional athletes.
The state of Victoria has been sealed off following a surge in Covid-19 cases, and its capital Melbourne imposed a new sixweek lockdown on Monday.
Track cycling coach John Beasley had feared the worst when news of the lockdown came out but he was smiling again by yesterday evening.
“We just received confirmation that we can still train at the track. Prior to receiving the email, I went to the track and picked up all the equipment we would need, just in case we could not access the track.
“But it’s great news for us. I can keep training the boys together tomorrow,” said the Australiaborn coach.
Azizul, in welcoming the new development, also hoped fellow Malaysians take heed of what happened in Melbourne and practise social distancing as the new norm.
“We cannot take things for granted as long as there is no vaccine yet.
“Malaysia has done well in controlling the Covid-19 pandemic but we must remind ourselves that the virus is still out there.
“I hope everyone stays safe and avoid big gatherings if possible,” said the 2017 world champion keirin cyclist.
“Like everyone in Melbourne, we have been told to stay at home and not to go out unnecessarily, unless it is to see a doctor or to get groceries.
“It was good until late last month when the number of cases were in single digit and the government eased the restrictions, allowing sports training to resume.
“Then, it started to be double digits again two weeks ago and the local government only allowed gatherings of up to five people, down from the 20 previously.
“They ordered all gyms closed but we were okay as we have our mini gyms at home.
“On July 4, Melbourne had 191 cases and everyone started to panic. We had another 191 cases yesterday and that’s when the local government imposed a full lockdown,” said Azizul, who is set to make a record fourth Olympic appearance next year.