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Azizul hopes his perseverance in Melbourne will bear fruit in London Games

SYDNEY: The majestic Dunc Gray Velodrome was awfully quiet but the crisp, cool voice of cyclist Azizulhasni Awang broke the silence on a cold Sunday morning.

Clad in a casual body-hugging T-shirt, Azizul cheerfully addressed a group of Malaysian journalists, speaking with a slight Australian accent.

There was certainly a notable change in style and demeanour. The lad from Dungun had transformed from a shy kampung boy to a confident young man with a relatively good command of English.

But other than that, Azizul seems to be the same person he was when he moved his training base to Melbourne three years ago in pursuit for Olympic glory – humble and down to earth.

That Sunday, Azizul had travelled north to Sydney for his induction into Visa’s exclusive team of world class athletes, joining the ranks of record gold-medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps, pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and shot putter Valerie Adams.

Visa director of corporate relations Gary Hamilton-Walker presenting a team jersey to Azizulhasni.

The three-time World Cup keirin champion’s inclusion in Team Visa was a timely boost just weeks before the London Olympics and Azizul was, naturally, appreciative of the honour.

The closed door ceremony to recognise and acknowledge Azizul’s achievements in the world of cycling, which epitomised his rags to riches story, took about 45 minutes inside the velodrome.

Azizul, who was once thrown out of the elite Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) for indiscipline before mending his ways, said he had made many scarifices since moving to Australia but it was all worth it.

“I’m still the same simple person – but, maybe, more determined than ever to succeed. I have adapted to the lifestyle here but I haven’t changed as a person. You can ask my wife,” said Azizul.

Azizul’s wife Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samat has joined him in Australia and they are expecting their first child.

“To achieve success one must sacrifice something. Since I moved to Melbourne, I have overcome many challenges and obstacles,” said Azizul, who has even deferred his degree in Sports Science at the University of Victoria to focus on the Olympic Games.

“The cold weather has been one big challenge for me. In Melbourne, right now, I have to train early in the morning. Imagine going out when the temperature is minus 5. I dread to get up but I force myself out of bed. Once the adrenalin starts pumping, the rest becomes easy.”

His training routine is painfully monotonous, but Azizul has never let boredom set in. The training programme is divided over two sessions – one in the morning from 6.30am-9.00am and another in the afternoon from 1pm-4pm.

“The training is tough and I occasionally just want to get home and rest and watch some movies,” said Azizul, who sometimes drives or jumps on a scooter for his training sessions.

Raring to go: Azizulhasni Awang at the Dunc Gray Velodrome in Sydney after he was inducted into Team Visa’s world class athletes for the London Olympic Games.

“Once a week, I enjoy good home cooked food but most times I’m particular about what I eat as I need to maintain my body weight. I have put on four kilogrammes now but it is all muscles so it’s good.”

Things are certainly looking rosy for Azizul but, almost a year ago, his Olympic dream was almost in tatters following a nasty injury he suffered at the Track World Cup in Manchester.

He was involved in a high speed crash that resulted in a 20cm splinter spearing his calf, but the Dungun boy picked up his bike and wobbled his way to finish third to maintain his overall lead as the world champion. That won him the admiration and respect of his peers and the Malaysian public.

When things get tough, Azizul said that painful incident reminded him of his ambition to conquer the world in cycling.

“The most difficult time was the recovery period after the injury. I had to start from scratch to build myself physically and emotionally but, fortunately, my coach (John Beasley) gave me the space and time to recover,” he said.

“I used to train seven days a week but after the injury, I alternate my training with good rest.

“I have trained hard over the last few months pushing myself beyond the barriers. My mission in the Olympics is to win a gold medal.

“Of course, England’s Olympic champion Chris Hoy stands in the way and there are several other good riders too. The Games bring the best out in everyone to push beyond the limits. I hope I will surprise everyone.”

For Azizul, his cycling ambition is not only about winning a gold at the London Games.

“I’m looking beyond that. I want to win many more titles and accolades over the next few years. I want to take Malaysian cycling to greater heights. Nicol David in squash and Lee Chong Wei in badminton have proved that Malaysians can make it big in sports. I would like to show that cycling can also become a big money earning sport in our country.”

On his advice for youngsters, Azizul, who has taken part in many charity races, said: “Cycling is for everyone. One doesn’t have to buy an expensive, or the lightest bike to take it up as a sport.

“One can start with just a simple bicycle and evolve over time. What is more important is the passion and perseverance to pedal through any hardship,” said Azizul, who started with a bicycle given to him by his late father for his good results in the PMR exam.

If Azizul’s determination is anything to go by, he may well deliver Malaysia’s first ever Olympic gold in London.

Rezeki Azizul

JAGUH lumba basikal negara, Azizulhasni Awang mendapat suntikan semangat baru apabila dikhabarkan isterinya hamil anak pertama mereka.

Azizul yang ditemui ketika majlis penajaan anggota Team Visadi ke Sukan Olimpik London di Dunc Gray Velodrome, kelmarin berkata, dia menerima khabar itu dengan gembira dan menganggapnya sebagai rezeki.

“Semangat saya meraih kejayaan di Olimpik semakin membara. Ia satu hadiah buat saya.
“Memang ramai tidak tahu perkara ini kecuali keluarga terdekat,” katanya.

Terdahulu Azizul menerima kemeja Team Visa sebagai simbolik penajaan daripada Pengarah Perhubungan Korporat Visa bagi Asia Tenggara, India dan Bangladesh, Gary Hamilton-Walker.

“Saya berterima kasih kepada Visa yang sudi memilih saya sebagai anggota Team Visa bersama Michael Phelps dan Yelena Isinbayeva.

“Mereka juga turut menyokong saya dalam sukan ini demi mencapai pingat emas pertama buat Malaysia. Saya akan berusaha melakukan yang terbaik,” kata Azizul.

Walker pula dalam ucapannya berkata, pihaknya memilih Azizul atas beberapa kriteria.

“Kami memilih Azizul kerana perjalanan yang ditempuhinya untuk ke Olimpik, pencapaian peribadi, keazaman dalam sukan serta pembabitan aktif dalam komuniti.

“Paling penting dia memberi inspirasi kepada jutaan rakyat Malaysia,” katanya.



Oleh Nor Hairulnizam Wahid
hairulnizam@hmetro.com.my

Azizul a master chef in the making By LIM TEIK HUAT

KUALA LUMPUR: National track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang has been living up to his moniker of ‘Pocket Rocket’ since he stepped up the elite ranks in 2007.

But there is another side to Azizul that many do not know.

Jack of all trades: National cyclist Azizulhasni Awang baking a cake in the kitchen.

The pint-sized cyclist, who has two World Championships silver medals under his belt and is bound for the London Olympics, likes to cook up a storm in the kitchen.

Azizul has a passion for cooking and often whips up dishes not just for his loved ones but also his cycling mates whenever they have a reason to celebrate.

Azizul, the 2010 National Sportsman of the Year, said his interest in cooking began when he joined the Melbourne training base in 2007.

“It was necessary for me to know how to cook simple meals rather than eating out all the time,” he said.

“I had to follow a certain diet depending on the training programme and I realised it was best that I prepared my own meals. I was also motivated to learn how to cook dishes that my wife likes. She is busy with her studies and I keep her happy by doing things for her.

“Cooking has become an enjoyable pastime for me. Now my wife has accepted that I can cook an entire meal for dinner. We take turns to cook during weekends when we have the time and especially during the fasting month.

“I’m pleased when things turn out fine but it’s frustrating when they don’t,” said the 24-year-old from Terengganu, who got married two years ago and will become a father for the first time in late October.

The first thing he successfully cooked for his wife was English breakfast and he has since tried his hand at preparing tomyam, curry puffs, chicken schnitzel and nasi dagang.

Azizul even baked a birthday cake for his wife, Athiah Ilyana, last year.

“My favourites are nasi dagang and chicken schnitzel, which is a popular dish in Australia.

“I don’t like desserts but I have tried to make kuih (small cakes eaten before or after meals),” said Azizul.

Apart from cooking, Azizul is also trying his hand at gardening. Azizul moved into a new place with a backyard and has planting things like daun kesum (laksa leaves), spring onion and chillies.

Azizul will be making his second Olympic appearance together with Josiah Ng and Fatehah Mustapa in London next month.

And hopes are high that the wannabe chef will whip up a storm on the London track and make cycling history for the country.

Azizul is first Malaysian Olympian to be part of Team Visa

SYDNEY: National cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang’s cheeks were a rosy pink and it wasn’t from the cold of the Australian winter.

The man, dubbed the ‘Pocket Rocket’ for his diminutive size and sprinting power in the world of cycling, was glowing in sheer happiness for two reasons.

Yesterday, the 24-year-old Azizul announced that he would be a father after the London Olympics from July 27-Aug 12 as his wife Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samat is expecting their first child.

The news broke on the same day he was inducted into Visa’s team of world class athletes at a ceremony at the Dunc Gray Velodrome, the indoor venue which hosted the track cycling competition of the 2000 Sydney Games.

Azizul is the first Malaysian Olympian to be under Visa’s sponsorship and joins the ranks of record gold-medal winning swimmer Michael Phelps, pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva and shot putter Valarie Adams.

Visa, a global payments technology company, has been a proud sponsor of the Olympic Games for the last 25 years.

Azizul said that the joy of being a father and the induction into Team Visa were timely motivations as he pushes himself on the final stretch of preparations to fulfil his childhood dream of winning a gold at the London Games next month.

“It’s Father’s Day in Malaysia, so the timing is perfect to announce that I will be a father soon,” said Azizul.

“My wife is expected to give birth at the end of October or early November. She is currently here with me in Australia.

“My late father gave me my first bicycle after my PMR examinations (Azizul obtained 7As, 1B) and that was the beginning of my cycling career. I will never forget his contribution and sacrifices.

“I want to give all I can to my child too. For a start, it would be wonderful if I could show my child a gold medal from this Olympic Games,” said Azizul, flashing a smile.

On Visa’s assistance in his pursuit of Olympic glory under a one-year contract, Azizul said: “I’m very fortunate to be an ambassador of Team Visa together with sporting greats like Phelps and Yelena.

“Winning the gold medal and seeing your country’s flag being hoisted at the world’s biggest sports event is the dream of every athlete. I’m glad to know that I have Visa and the whole of Malaysia supporting me at the Games.

“There were hard times after the nasty injury I suffered last year but I refused to give up. I have devoted all my attention to training hard over the last few months and I’m happy to announce that I’m back to my best and looking forward to the London Games.”

Azizul nailed his third overall keirin title at the Track World Cup in Manchester despite a horrific injury, winning the admiration of the cycling fraternity.

He was involved in a high speed crash that resulted in a 20cm splinter impaling his calf, but the Dungun boy picked up his bike and wobbled his way to finish third to maintain his overall lead.

It was this courage and fortitude that earned Azizul selection to Team Visa.

“He is a true inspiration to young Malaysians and the pride of his nation. We are delighted to be supporting him on his journey to win honours for Malaysia at the London Games,” said Visa Director of Corporate Relations Gary Hamilton-Walker.

Azizul will leave for Europe on June 28 and compete in a Grand Prix event in Germany as a final warm-up ahead of the Olympics.

Happy Father's Day and im counting days to be a PocketRoket's Dadda

Happy Father's Day to all daddies out there.
We are proud to announce that our little PocketROKET's junior will be meeting Dadda and Mummy in Spring!
Im going to be a Dadda soon ..Please pray for PocketROKET's mummy,PocketROKET's baby and PocketROKET's dadda healthy and wealthy always !
Will love to share more about my  experience being a PocketROKET's dadda .
Hope that our Baby Olympic will pray for Dadda to win GOLD MEDAL in Olympic LONDON.Hopefully can bring Mummy and PocketROKET's junior to LONDON :) .

Im going to be a father..Alhamdulillah Syukur!

Love,
PocketRoketMan

Harapan baru Olimpik

John Beasley

ATLET lumba basikal Malaysia terpaksa berdepan dengan masalah infrastruktur dan minat mendalam rakyatnya terhadap bola sepak dan badminton tetapi jurulatih, John Beasley percaya beliau mempunyai pasukan yang mampu menyumbang pingat emas pertama di Olimpik.

Atlet berbasikal mempunyai dua velodrom pilihan untuk mengasah kemahiran mereka di negara ini.

   

• Azizulhasni
• Fatehah
• Josiah

Satu daripadanya adalah sebuah velodrom yang dibina khusus untuk Sukan Komanwel 1998 di Kuala Lumpur dan satu lagi terletak di Ipoh yang sering ditakungi air setiap kali hujan.

Meskipun berdepan isu infrastruktur, Beasley, warga Australia yang mengendalikan program elit negara ini berkata pasukannya mampu mencabar atlet terbaik dari Barat untuk sukan Olimpik London.

“Saya yakin,” kata jurulatih berusia 50 tahun itu ketika menyaksikan tiga atlet harapannya ke Olimpik berlatih di velodrom di tenggara Melbourne.

“Kami perlu mendapatkannya tetapi saya berharap paling teruk, kami akan meraih pingat dalam acara keirin dan lebih baik jika kami memenanginya.

“Kami tidak gentar berlumba menentang Chris Hoy atau sesiapa saja.”

Pelumba bertubuh kecil yang memenangi pingat perak dunia, Azizulhasni Awang yang digelar ‘Pocket Rocketman’ kerana tenaga yang dimilikinya meskipun berketinggian lima kaki tujuh inci, mengetuai skuad Malaysia yang kecil tetapi berbisa beraksi di velodrom London di mana bintang Britain, Hoy bakal mempertahankan gelaran keirin.

Azizul akan menentang Olimpian dua kali dan juga juara Sukan Komanwel, Josiah Ng untuk menjadi pelumba tunggal negara beraksi dalam acara pecut individu dan keirin manakala Fatehah Mustapa yang semakin meningkat dijangka menjadi atlet wanita Malaysia pertama bertanding dalam acara lumba basikal trek Olimpik, juga dalam acara keirin.

Josiah, pelumba berusia 32 tahun yang dibesarkan di California, membuka lembaran baru buat negara apabila mara ke final acara keirin dalam Sukan Olimpik Athens 2004.

“Ia mungkin pertama kali semua orang di Malaysia membuka mata dan berkata;
“Siapa lelaki ini? Sukan apakah ini? Oh, ia bukan badminton! Wow!” kata Josiah, yang seperti Azizul mengekal�kan bentuk tubuh mereka dalam usaha meraih kejayaan antarabangsa.

Di bawah kendalian Beaslay, yang menyertai pasukan itu pada 2006 sebagai jurulatih Josiah selepas berjaya membawa atlet Australia ke podium Olimpik, mengubah pelumba terbaik negara daripada atlet belasahan kepada jaguh di trek.

Bola sepak kekal menjadi minat rakyat negara ini manakala badminton menjadi satu-satunya sukan yang mampu meraih pingat Olimpik tetapi lumba basikal meraih pencapaian lebih baik di peringkat antarabangsa.

Pelumba pecut, Rizal Tisin meraih pingat gangsa dalam acara ujian masa individu pada Kejohanan Dunia 2009 di Pruzskow, Poland untuk meletakkan Malaysia di mata dunia sebelum Azizul, 21, mengejutkan dengan mengasak pelumba pecut Perancis, Gregory Bauge dalam sai�ngan final acara pecut.

Kejayaan itu menarik perhatian pentadbir sukan dan penaja tempatan untuk menyokong kempen pasukan itu ke London dan memberi peluang kepada Beasley mempersiapkan anak buahnya di Melbourne yang dilengkapi kemudahan dan teknologi bertaraf dunia.

Beasley membimbing 11 pelumba Malaysia termasuk beberapa pelumba remaja berbakat yang dipilih untuk Sukan Olimpik berikutnya yang akan diadakan di Rio de Janeiro 2016.

Proving that size is no setback

Azizul the pocket rocket as he is popularly known is no stranger in the world of professional track cycling. Having won numerous competitions and races, he has certainly made his nation proud. Danny Lau from Top 10 of Malaysia had an opportunity to speak to Azizulhasni and catch up with him on his latest development in the world of cycling. At the time of the interview Azizulhasni is also pursuing a Commerce degree majoring in sports management.

Q: “Azizul the pocket rocket” - who gave you the nickname?
A: The nickname was given to me by the commentators and I am very fond of it as it denotes something that is small yet powerful. I would love to prove to others that small does not mean weak!

Q: What are the distinguishing characteristics of competitive cycling?
A: In Malaysia, track cycling is not well-known as in other countries but I love this sport very much. Basically the bikes that we use are “fixed gear” bikes where track riders tend to ride at a much higher cadence (the number of revolution of the crank per minute) compared to road riders due to the need of balancing both the top speed and acceleration in one gear.

Q: What are some of the notable accomplishments you have achieved so far?
A: There are quite a number of accomplishments that I have achieved thus far but one that sticks out for me was during the Manchester World Cup series in 2010 where I managed to cross the finishing line with a splinter in my calf but I still managed to bag a bronze medal.

Q: What is your comment about the sports culture in Malaysia and overseas, any similarities or differences?
A: The sports culture in Malaysia is progressing and I can see that the Malaysian government is trying their best to develop the sports industry to world class standards. In foreign countries, health and fitness is taken very seriously and the culture is instilled at a very young age to the people there. For example in Australia they have sport facilities in every suburb which is convenient for the people there. I believe that Malaysia can achieve this as well and the end product of this is that Malaysia will soon start to produce talented sportsmen.

Q: How have your preparations been like for the 2012 Olympics?
A: During the weekdays, I wake up every morning at 5 and hit the gym, then go to class. Afterwards, I will go straight to the track for practice. Supplements are always with me and of course there is a proper diet which I must follow. Having said that I also indulge a bit during the weekends and eat like a true Malaysian where I ask my wife to cook Malaysian food for me.

Q: What do you think is the key to your success?
A: I would say that discipline is the key to success and without discipline one will find it very hard to accomplish anything that they have set out for themselves. The ability to get things done at the appropriate time in order to accomplish a specific goal is not easy and not everyone can do it. As for me I want to be a successful cyclist, husband and student at the same time.

Q: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
A: I can honestly say that my wife, Tya Ilyana is the one who inspires me and there is also my family who have been beside me through the good times and also the bad times. And without a doubt, my country, Malaysia that has provided me with all these opportunities – I hope that my achievements will make my country proud.

Q: Do you have any advice for those who want to pursue a career in track cycling?
A: Cycling for any purpose is indeed a sure way to keep fit and healthy, just make sure that you enjoy it and never give up on your dreams and passion but make sure you put safety first above anything else.

Reference: http://top10malaysia.com/home/index.php/towering-personalities/mohd-azizulhasni-awang

Dutch Lady Go Malaysia Go -London Olympic 2012- Azizul Awang Milk Packaging

Assalammualaikum and How is everyone today?
Have u drink two glasses of milk today?
Well,did you know that milk is full of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorous and a balance of other nutrients that have been proven to build your bones and teeth as well as promote the healthy function of your muscles and blood vessels. And in the midst of all the new vitamin waters, energy drinks, and other artificially contrived beverages, milk is a natural, healthy choice.

As the official milk sponsor of the Olympic Council of Malaysia, Dutch Lady Malaysia is supporting 4 young athletes in their quest for gold.Me myself from Bicycle Track.Pandalela Rinong  from Diving and last but not least our badminton heroes,Koo Kien Keat - Tan Boon Heong.Indeed, I'm really honored to be one of the dutch lady milk ambassadors because since i was small,dutch lady is always my favourite milk to drink.

In conjunction with London Olympic 2012,you can give your full support to us, Malaysian heroes by drinking the milk no matter where you are.Cheer for us because that is the only way you can give us courage and support. With the different sizes of Milk packaging ,you can start collecting them now!

I received a lot of tweets from my fans ,sending the picture of mine on the milk packaging.Thanks a lot anyway.Well,you can have varieties of milk flavor according to your temptation. I believe lots of people love chocolate and strawberry flavors. So yeah..its all depend on you to choose your favourite flavor  and make sure it is DUTCH LADY!!! Lets support me and others athlete at LONDON OLYMPIC 2012.Pray,pray,pray,pray,pray!Insya Allah i ll do the best that i can for my beloved fans especially.


Go Malaysia Go!
Azizul Awang


P/s: Watch me on youtube for DutchLady Aspirasiku.