KUALA LUMPUR: "Please support Azizulhasni Awang, support him and help him through these difficult times."
This heartfelt plea comes from national cycling track team coach John Beasley who urged all Malaysians to rally behind Azizulhasni after the Pocket Rocketman was disqualified in the Olympic keirin first round at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome in Paris last night. Azizulhasni was penalised for overtaking the derny (motorcycle pacer).
"To all Malaysians, someone needs your support now more than ever. It's easy to stand by someone when they're at their peak, but true character, both of a person and a nation, shines through when we support them in their hardest times," Beasley said.
Beasley said Azizulhasni was stunned by the commissioner's decision, and he is struggling to come to terms with the outcome.
"I'm deeply sorry for him; he's alone in his room tonight, grappling with what has happened. We all share in his sadness, and I can almost feel his anguish," Beasley added.
"Azizul has devoted his life to achieving excellence in cycling, and facing such an ending to his career feels like a nightmare."
Beasley added that he and those close to Azizulhasni are committed to helping him recover.
"The most heartbreaking part is that he was at his peak. Our training sessions had been exceptional, preparations were on track.
"To see his career potentially end without a final race is incredibly cruel," said Beasley.