Fifth Olympics isn't just about participation, says Azizulhasni

KUALA LUMPUR - National track cycling champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang is set to become Malaysia's first male athlete to compete in five consecutive Olympic Games after officially securing a slot at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 23 to Aug 11.

The 36-year-old 2017 keirin world champion emphasised that his presence at the world's biggest sporting event is not merely to complete the participation but rather to achieve more.

Known as "The Pocket Rocketman," Azizulhasni considers his fifth qualification since his debut at the Beijing 2008 Olympics a significant milestone in his career, having also competed in the London 2012, Rio 2016, and Tokyo 2020 editions.

"I believe people know that my presence in the sports arena isn't just to qualify for the event. Since Beijing 2008, my objective has been far beyond that. It has never diminished, and I continue to work hard for the sake of our beloved country.

"Cycling is one of the sports with a very challenging and complex qualification process, compounded by various external challenges throughout. Each Olympic cycle takes four years, which means my involvement in the Olympic Games alone has spanned 20 years.

"This appearance is fascinating because I am 36 years old, an age many believe is too late and where an athlete's performance starts to decline. What I am showing to those who understand is that it's not impossible to defy norms," he said in a statement posted on his social media accounts.

Mohd Azizulhasni made history as Malaysia's first Olympic cycling medallist after bringing home a bronze medal in keirin at the Rio 2016 edition and a silver medal in the same event at Tokyo 2020.

Now in the final preparation phase for the Olympics, he also called on all Malaysians to give their full support and pray for his success and that of other athletes who will represent the nation in Paris.

Earlier, Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill confirmed that Mohd Azizulhasni, Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom and Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri had officially qualified for the Olympics in keirin and sprint events.

National badminton champion, Datuk Lee Chong Wei previously competed in four Olympics (Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016), becoming Malaysia's best athlete with three silver medals in men's singles from 2008 to 2016.

Women's diver Datuk Leong Mun Yee was Malaysia's first athlete to compete in five Olympics (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Tokyo 2020). - BERNAMA