KUALA LUMPUR – Despite being considered an elite national athlete, track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom did not expect to be listed as a prospect in Malaysia’s quest for an elusive first gold medal at next year’s Paris Olympics.
Shah Firdaus admitted that he bears a heavy responsibility to repay the trust placed in him after being included in the Road to Gold (RTG) programme.
“First of all, thank God, I did not expect to be selected, we know in that list that there is a world champion and an Olympic medallist, as for me nothing yet (in the Olympics), but it is a privilege for me as well (to be selected).
“The pressure is there but the important thing is that I am taking being selected in the RTG positively... this means that I have to give 100% and indeed it is my responsibility to deliver more (at the Paris Olympics),” he said.
Asked about what is expected from him in the RTG programme, the 2022 Commonwealth Games men’s keirin bronze-medallist said discussions were still being held with his coach John Beasley before finalising what is required for the Paris Games.
Shah Firdaus, who is currently undergoing training in Europe, said he will meet with the RTG committee after returning from competing in the third round of the Cup of Nations in Milton, Canada, early next month to get further developments on what is on offer in the gold-medal programme.
Besides him, 2020 Tokyo Olympics men’s keirin silver-medallist and former world champion Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang is also among the 15 names listed in the RTG programme.
Badminton dominates the programme with 11 shuttlers named, including world champions and Tokyo Games men’s doubles bronze-medallists Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, national professional men’s singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia, and women’s doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah.
Also selected are three professional doubles pairs, two from the mixed-doubles camp – namely Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Jemie Lai – and men’s doubles pair Ong Yew Sin-Teo Ee Yi, while divers Datuk Pandelela Rinong Pamg and Nur Dhabitah Sabri complete the list.
Meanwhile, Soon Huat was grateful to make the cut, believing it would provide motivation in their bid for a first Olympics qualification.
Soon Huat said he and Shevon can now heave a huge sigh of relief after their efforts to get assistance, especially from the Youth and Sports Ministry, had finally paid off.
“Our priority demand will be the support staff services from the National Sports Council and National Sports Institute for the medical, physiotherapy, and masseur (departments) during tournaments and training.
“While the competition will be more intense as we will be facing Olympic qualification – which begins next month – as well as back-to-back tournaments, we not only have to be in the best condition but also avoid injury,” he said.
Yew Sin, meanwhile, said he and Ee Yi will give their best to repay the RTG committee’s faith in them while Thinaah hoped that all processes in the programme will run smoothly. – Bernama, April 9, 2023
