TOKYO – Fellow Malaysians were overjoyed and celebrated the winning of a second medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Earlier today (8 August), national track cyclist Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang bagged a silver medal in the men’s keirin event.
However, despite his victory, Dato’ Azizul was feeling bittersweet about it.
I have mixed feelings. I came here to win for the gold. We all know that everyone has a huge expectation on me.”
For such an achievement, the silver medallist yet again made history the country’s cycling event. Just five years ago at the Rio Olympics, Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang brought home a bronze medal in the same event.
Weighted down by the pressure to bring Malaysia’s first-ever gold at the Olympics, he was disappointed that he fell short.
I’m the last contender, the last Malaysia hope for a gold medal. I was calm and slept well last night after the quarter finals.
Everything went well
In the post-game interview, the cyclist told Astro Awani that he was in tip-top condition. “I woke up this morning and was ready to rumble,” he said.
Additionally, he added that everything went well aside from the unfortunate draw he got in the finals which placed him in fifth behind UK cyclist Jason Kenny.
I just want to tell Malaysians that Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom and I tried more than our best today.”
Closing the interview, he apologised again to Malaysians for failing to secure a gold medal that everyone was hoping for.
As Tokyo 2020 is set to close today, Malaysia has succeeded in winning two medals. The bronze medal was secured by men’s doubles shuttles Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik last week.
Thank you Azizul for making the nation proud!
Cover Images via RTM Olympics
Author: Raymond Chen
Proofreader:Grace Choong
