36-year-old Malaysian national track cycling champion, Azizulhasni Awang who is also dubbed the ‘Pocket Rocketman’, was disqualified during the 1st heat of the men’s keirin event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, for overtaking the derny before it pulled off the track.
This was truly a heartbreaking situation considering the 2024 Paris Olympics was supposed to be his last hoorah.
Feeling for her fellow national hero, Squash legend Datuk Nicol David took to her Instagram page to share a heartfelt message for Azizulhasni Awang.
She started her message by calling Malaysians to show their love for Azizulhasni.
She wrote, “If there is a moment for all of us Malaysians to come together and show solidarity, it’s now. For the past 20 years, Azizulhasni Awang has made our nation proud and dedicated his life to become a Gold medallist. He overcame a life-threatening condition, he sacrificed himself for the dream to reach that Gold for all of us.”
“If there is someone who is heartbroken today, it’s him. He is in incredible pain and disappointment and we should be here to lend a shoulder and a helping hand. We cannot hurt deeper than someone who already is in pain – that’s not what we do when someone is on the ground.”
Datuk Nicol also took the opportunity to remind Malaysians to look to Azizulhasni’s past achievements that have brought honour to our country.
She then went on to address Azizulhasni directly, to thank him for his efforts and dedication.
“I know this Olympics meant everything to you and how much you worked to be here. I also know the decisions you made to advance was a necessary risk to take to make sure you had a good position to qualify. I know you had to take your chance because that’s what our Pocket Rocket does best, which is to find those small moments where a window of opportunity opens,”
“I want to thank you for everything you represent – strength, fortitude, courage and humility. I wish from the bottom of my heart that you remember all that you have achieved and done for us Malaysians. I have the best memories and moments in watching you compete, that I will hold dearly in my heart,” she added.
You can check out her heartwarming message here.
Let’s all take to the comment section to show Azizulhasni some well-deserved love and support.
Also read: Hannah Yeoh Bites Back After Netizens Call Her “Unpatriotic” For Posing With Thai Silver Medallist
