KUALA LUMPUR: Olympian Josiah Ng strongly believes track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang will deliver Malaysia's first Olympic medal at the Paris Games, which start next week.
Josiah, a two-time Olympian, has known the Pocket Rocketman since 2007.
He described Azizulhasni as still the best keirin cyclist in the world.
"I believe he can deliver because I trust in his credibility," said Josiah.
"I have been his roommate, his confidant, teammate, sparring partner and rival in competitions.
"The real Azizulhasni only shines when the stakes are high. If you look at his Olympic data, you know that he has the best track record.
"Azizulhasni was a semi-finalist at Beijing 2008, finallist at London 2012, bronze medallist at Rio 2016 and silver medallist at Tokyo 2020, so what is next for Azizulhasni at Paris 2024?
"Azizulhasni is expected to shine in keirin with or without Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
"Both Malaysians will have their own game plan to challenge for the keirin podium in Paris. Chances will be higher if both reach the final."
Josiah advised all Paris-bound athletes to work hard and give their all.
"The athletes have done their work. The next thing is to relax, especially the debutants.
"For the debutants, do not allow pressure, stress or distractions to bother you. Just relax, enjoy and try to achieve your dreams," Josiah, who featured at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.
Josiah was one of the Olympians who attended the Malaysian Pride Collection (PMC) event.
The others were cyclist Rizal Tisin, gymnast Ng Shu Wai, diver Bryan Nickson Lomas, swimmer Allan Ong and hockey player Mirnawan Nawawi.