My money’s on Azizul

Josiah betting on Pocket Rocketman to make history in Rio de Janeiro

PETALING JAYA: Josiah Ng is putting his money on former training partner Azizulhasni Awang to make history at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Josiah believes that third time could be the charm for Azizul as he feels that his former protege’s attention to detail could help him to a place on the men’s keirin podium at the Rio Olympic Velodrome on Aug 16.

A former Malaysian Sportsman of the Year, Josiah was the first Malaysian track cyclist to reach an Olympic final in Athens in 2004, but finished sixth.

Four years ago, it was Terengganuborn Azizul’s turn to reach the final in London, but he was outsprinted at the final bend and also ended up sixth.

“Azizul has had some challenges to overcome in the last four years but, like the champion that he is, he has a deep belief in his abilities and truly loves what he does. He is very passionate about his craft. I believe Azizul has come of age,” said Josiah, who retired las year and now lives in Melbourne.

“I keep a close eye on the progress of the team even though I’m very busy with building my business.

“I have a keen interest in what he does and I’ve noticed that he has done a few things better than in the past.

“His attention to detail has paid dividends in the last two World Track Cycling Championships, where he has won medals.

“There is only one other person in the world who has managed to win medals at the past two world championships in keirin and that’s New Zealand’s Eddie Dawkins (both times silver).”

Azizul is often dwarfed by his rivals, but he has proved on four occasions at the World Track Championships that size doesn’t matter.

Azizul bagged silver in sprint behind Frenchman Gregory Bauge at the 2009 world meet in Pruzkow, Poland, and repeated the feat by finishing second in keirin behind Sir Chris Hoy of Britain in Copenhagen, Denmark, the following year.

He was back at his best with a bronze in keirin in Paris last year.

Despite missing five weeks of training due to a muscle injury and virus, Azizul managed to take bronze in the event in London this year.

Josiah has urged Malaysians to throw their support behind Azizul in his bid for glory.

“Azizul is one of the real medal contenders. And we, as Malaysians, are privileged to have someone of his calibre representing us in a sport that is as competitive as cycling.

“He is more powerful than before going to Rio ... I have full faith in him and his support team, lead by coach John Beasley.

“They have left absolutely no stone unturned in their efforts to go to Rio armed with a full armoury of explosive power, ready to conquer the world,” said Josiah.