Shah Firdaus lowers target for Olympics.

Shah Firdaus staying calm and realistic ahead of Olympics debut

Time is now on Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom’s (pic) side to come good in his Olympic Games debut but he prefers to be realistic.

Shah Firdaus was elated after qualifying for his first Olympics originally scheduled for July in Tokyo this year, which now has been postponed to July 23-Aug 8 next year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The deferment means a longer time frame for Shah Firdaus to prepare for his first outing in the Olympics but the Australiabased cyclist is not optimistic of his medal prospects.

The 24-year-old Shah Firdaus, who qualified on merit through the world rankings at the end of the Track Cycling World Championships in Berlin last month, will be taking part in the individual keirin and sprint alongside Azizulhasni Awang.

And the down-to-earth rider said he would not be aiming high but will definitely use the opportunity to gain experience.

“This is only my first Olympics and I will not know the situation until I am there. Surely I will be going out there to give my best but I don’t want to set a high target.

“Coach John (Beasley) also wants me to enjoy the Olympic experience.

“I learnt a lot from the Commonwealth and Asian Games previously.

“I set medal targets but could not achieve it, so I don’t want to be disappointed again,” said Shah Firdaus, who bagged silver in team sprint together with Azizul and Mohd Fadhil Zonis at the Indonesia Asian Games in 2018.

The Johor-born cyclist had a great outing at the Berlin world meet, setting a personal best of 9.609 en route to reaching the last 16 in the sprint.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted training plans, forcing him to be confined at home in Melbourne.

However, Shah Firdaus has moved some of the gym equipment and bike rollers to his house which allows him to do light training.

“Australia, like Malaysia, have put in place containment measures. All sports facilities have been closed and events have been called off and it could be in place until late in the year.

“I just try to keep my fitness going until we can go back to track training.”