Height doesn’t matter

Azizul, izzah may be vertically challenged but they are not short on willpower

“I hope Izzah can also follow in my footsteps and do better than me.” Azizulhasni Awang

JAYA: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang believes his junior Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri has the potential to follow in his footsteps and become one of the best riders in the world.

The 36-year-old, who is from Dungun, said the sports career journey of Izzah was almost similar to his.

The 20-year-old Izzah is from Sungai Petani and is set to make her Olympic debut in Paris. She is also the first Malaysian woman to qualify for two track cycling events – individual sprint and keirin.

And like Azizul, she is considered short for track cycling standards, standing only at 1.52m.

“I could see the talent and high fighting spirit she has from the early stage,” said Azizul.

“Some people said her size is small and it’s difficult for her to go far.

“But coach John (Beasley) can also see the unique talent she has. I’m glad that she was brought into the national training programme two years ago.

“Our stories are almost the same at the beginning. We both come from a small village and are small in size compared to normal athletes. But it’s our strong willpower that make us want to always improve our performance and thirst for success.

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“Izzah became the first Malaysian woman cyclist to win two gold medals at the Asian Track Cycling Championships) in India recently and it’s not something that happened by luck,” said the Tokyo Olympic silver medallist.

Azizul added Izzah’s achievement of qualifying for Paris at her age is something to be proud of.

“She surprised us by qualifying sooner than expected. To qualify for the Olympics is a big achievement as cycling has one of the most difficult and complicated qualifying processes.

“In a way, she reminds me of what I went through in the early days of my career.

“I also qualified for the Olympics when I was 20 in Beijing (2008) and look where I’m today.

“I hope Izzah can also follow in my footsteps and do better than me,” he added.

Listen up: The Malaysian national Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president datuk amarjit Singh Gill speaking to (from left) coach John Beasley, azizulhasni awang, nurul izzah izzati Mohd asri and Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom at the national Velodrome ahead of the paris Olympic Games. — Bernama