KUALA LUMPUR – Unfazed, unbroken, and undeterred.
The national mountain biker, who was allegedly sexually harassed by her coach during training recently, is more motivated than ever to fly the Malaysian flag proud at the 2024 SEA Games happening on May 5 to 17 in Cambodia.
Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) vice-president Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill shared this with The Vibes, praising the MTB rider for her display of commendable sportsmanship.
“I have spoken with her and after much discussion, she agreed to continue training.
“For the sake of the country, she will return to training with the team this week and assured us to give her best.
“She is surprisingly mentally strong,” he said.
The rider lodged a police report last week against her coach over an alleged sexual harassment claim.
Following that, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the coach had submitted his resignation.
Meanwhile, Amarjit assured that the preparation for the 32nd edition of the biennial games would not be affected.
The national cycling governing body has placed Nor Alfizar Othman, in place of the coach’s resignation, as a temporary coach ahead of the Games.
“The case would not affect the team’s preparation. We have assigned a temporary coach, Nor Alfizar Othman, to head the SEA Games MTB (mountain bike) team.
“MNCF will try to assist in any way possible needed by the rider,” he said.
Recently, SEA Games deputy chef de mission Sharon Wee also said the committee is ready to provide counselling to athletes who were victims of sexual harassment.
She said it is vital to ensure they feel safe and has no trauma to continue to achieve success in cycling and make the country proud.
“Yes, Sharon did approach me and said they are willing to assist any way she can.
“It is good that DCDM has the welfare of the athlete in mind as well,” Amarjit added. – The Vibes, March 4, 2023
