KUALA LUMPUR: National track cycling coach John Beasley has expressed gratitude for the comprehensive support provided by the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, which could be instrumental in the team's quest for an elusive Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Top cyclists Azizulhasni Awang, 36, and Shah Firdaus Sahrom, 28, have been part of the RTG programme since its inception last year.
As members of this group of national elite athletes identified as medal contenders, they have been granted the privilege to request additional support and services beyond their existing provisions.
"RTG has been immensely helpful for both men from the time they were absorbed into the programme. They have reduced all the red tape which allows Azizulhasni and Shah to receive the help they need without long waiting period," said Beasley.
The programme's efficiency was highlighted when Azizulhasni faced a medical emergency.
"This was evident when Azizul crashed during training just before the Paris Olympics. One call to the RTG Secretariat and he was able to receive the necessary medical attention in quick turnaround time," Beasley explained.
He added: "Besides that, RTG has also funded Azizul and Shah to compete in additional competitions in Hong Kong and Japan, which I think has given them the competitive edge in Paris."
The RTG's support extends to specialised medical care. Recently, heart specialist Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon was enlisted to monitor all riders, particularly Azizulhasni, at the Paris Olympics.
Jeffrey's services are covered by RTG's expenses.
This arrangement is crucial, given Azizulhasni's medical history.
In 2022, he underwent open heart surgery to correct a coronary artery anomaly he had since birth.
Following the procedure, he made a full recovery and returned to the track.
This enhanced backing aims to ensure optimal preparation and peak condition for the athletes as they approach the Paris Games.
With a keirin bronze (Rio 2016) and a silver (Tokyo 2020) in his trophy cabinet, Azizulhasni is eager to complete his Olympic medal set before retiring.
Azizulhasni, Shah and sole female member, Izzah Izzati Asri, are currently undergoing a final training camp in Mallorca, Spain before heading to Paris on Aug 1
National weightlifter Aniq Kasdan, echoed Beasley's sentiment about the RTG programme's benefits.
The Commonwealth Games gold medallist has been receiving dedicated services from the National Sports Institute since joining the programme in November last year.
These services include comprehensive sports science and nutrition support, as well as physiotherapy and rehabilitation after training sessions, which significantly aid his recovery.
"Being able to use facilities such as the ice bath and receiving a massage right after training to soothe my muscles has made a difference, as it ensures my body is in good shape after an intense training session," Aniq explained.
The national record holder has also benefited materially, receiving several pieces of training equipment, including a pair of weightlifting shoes he had long desired.
Currently, Aniq is putting the finishing touches to his preparations at a training camp in Türkiye.