KUALA TERENGGANU − National top cyclist, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang hopes the contract of national track cycling chief coach, John Beasley, would be extended for at least three more years.
It is to ensure the preparation for him and other teammates for the 2024 Olympics in France is not affected and would proceed smoothly.
According to Azizulhasni, Beasley is considered a father figure and played a crucial role in furthering his career, including the success in garnering the keirin silver medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo recently.
"For the last legacy ride (2024 Olympics), I really need Beasley to prepare for the Olympics three years away.
"Without him (Beasley), or a change in coach, would jeopardise all our plans and training,” he said after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics Incentive Presentation Ceremony at Seri Iman today.
At the ceremony, Azizulhasni was awarded a house worth RM300,000 and RM50,000 cash by the state government for his silver Olympic medal feat.
The state incentives were presented by Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar.
"His return home with a silver medal is a source of pride for Terengganu. He proved that it’s all right to have high ambitions if you work hard and receive lasting support from various parties,” he said at the ceremony.
Also present was state Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation Development Committee chairman, Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah.
Azizulhasni said he was very grateful to the state government for the reward, which will spur him in his efforts to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“This reward will also serve to motivate other state athletes to strive for international success.
"Thank you to the state government for its unwavering support from day one until today," said Azizulhasni, who wants to serve Terengganu youths one day.
The national cyclist also added that he planned to take a rest and would return to cycling competitions next year as he had trained for five years for the Tokyo Olympics.
“I need a break as the Tokyo Olympic preparation was very intense and to also give way to other younger cyclists.
"InsyaAllah next year, I will focus on major championships, such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games,” he said. – Bernama, August 25, 2021
