PARIS 2024: DO WHAT YOU DO BEST, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS - JOSIAH TELLS AZIZULHASNI

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- "Just do what you do best. Trust your instincts.” That is the message - loud and clear - from former three-time Olympian Josiah Ng to national track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

There is no doubt that Josiah knows what makes the Pocket Rocketman tick, having been his roommate, confidante and teammate since 2007 before he (Josiah) called it a day.

That is also why Josiah believes it won't matter whether Malaysia has one or two riders in the keirin final in Paris (with Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom the other Malaysian cyclist competing in the sprint and keirin event).

“I think Azizulhasni is going to do what he is going to do, with or without Shah. Back in the day with Azizulhasni, we never planned (anything).

“We would help each other without planning anything because if we go in with a plan, it would not work. There are so many different things that happen in keirin... if you plan, most likely it will backfire,” he said in rubbishing the perception that having two national cyclists in the men’s keirin final would increase Malaysia’s chances of bagging gold in the Paris Olympics.

He told reporters this when met after the launch of the Malaysian Pride PMC (Pestle & Mortar Clothing) x OCM (Olympic Council Malaysia) collection here today.

Josiah also knows that Azizulhasni is someone who usually shines when the stakes are high.

“So, I've known him (for a long time), I've been his roommate, I've been his confidant and teammate. If you look at the critical data of his Olympic results, the real Azizulhasni usually shows up when the stakes are high.

“He made the semi-finals in Beijing 2018, the final in London 2012, won bronze in Rio 2016 and silver in Tokyo 2020. So what's next?

"If you are a data person, what's next? Only gold! If Azizulhasni focuses on what he does best, which is to trust his instincts, he's going to bring home our first goal. Mark my words,” Josiah boldly predicted.

The 44-year-old Josiah also has this message for Malaysian athletes who will be making their debut at the world’s biggest multi-sports Games: "Embrace the occasion and don't let the pressure or distractions affect your performance”.

Malaysia will send 26 athletes to Paris 2024 and among the debutants are Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri (track cycling), Bertrand Rhodict Lises (diving) and Ariana Nur Dania Mohamad Zairi (archery).

Meanwhile, OCM secretary-general Datuk Mohd Nazifuddin Najib expressed excitement about the upcoming availability of national team merchandise, such as shirts, jackets and caps, for purchase by the public starting on Thursday (July 18).

“Previously, we did not sell the contingent shirts due to sponsorship issues. But this time, we have a specific partnership to sell this product. We hope this collaboration (with PMC) will continue,” he said.

The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be from July 26 to Aug 11.

-- BERNAMA