Azizulhasni Awang: 10 Facts About The M'sian Track Cyclist & Olympic Medalist

Azizulhasni Awang facts

Malaysia has several Olympic Games medals, all hard-earned by athletes making a mark in our country’s sporting history. Among this list of national athletes who competed in the Olympics and brought home a medal is Azizulhasni Awang, a Malaysian track cyclist well known for winning two Olympic medals.

The four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist also has several other notable feats under his belt. He is nicknamed ‘Pocket Rocketman’ for his speed and stature, and is the first Malaysian cyclist to wear a prestigious rainbow jersey dedicated for world champion cyclists. To get to know more about him, here are 10 facts about Azizulhasni Awang.

1. He was born in Dungun, Terengganu

10 facts about Azizulhasni Awang
Image credit: Azizulhasni Awang

Azizul was born on 5th January 1988 in the coastal district of Dungun in Terengganu. He’s the youngest in his family, and was an active child with constantly busy hands and legs. The late Rozimi Omar – a devoted cyclist, coach and mentor who helped him realise that he could be a successful cyclist – once called him a “naughty village boy with a good heart”.

The two-time Olympic medalist also had humble beginnings, coming from a family where “money was tight”. For his first national tournament held in KL, Azizul, at 14 years old, had to borrow a bicycle to compete after the long drive from Terengganu with his coach. They also had to spend a night at an acquaintance’s house as they couldn’t afford a hotel room.

2. He started cycling at a young age

Image credit: Azizulhasni Awang

Azizul’s parents had big dreams for him when he was younger. But it wasn’t for him to become a national track cyclist. They initially hoped he would be a doctor when he grew up, and tried hard to deter him from picking up sports as they were worried about his education.

However, Azizul always had a heart for cycling. He started riding a bicycle at four years old. When he turned ten, he would often blaze around his kampung on two wheels. At 15 years old, Azizul decided to set his own path in life by pursuing his dreams of becoming a track cycling national champion – although he first started mountain biking before making the switch to track cycling. He was inspired to do so after catching Le Tour de Langkawi – an annual professional bicycle race held in Malaysia – in person when the route made a stop in his village.

Nonetheless, he’s worked hard at both studies and training. Showing that the two can coexist, the national track cyclist enrolled in Victoria University in Melbourne – where he is based with his wife and two daughters – while training under his coach John Beasley in 2015, majoring in Exercise Science. In 2019, he shared he was pursuing a degree in Clinical Science Psychology, considering mental health care to be important for athletes.

3. His well known nickname is for his short stature & skills

Image credit: @azizulhasniawang

Azizul had to overcome criticism in his early days as a track cyclist. He was told by a former coach on his first day of training at Bukit Jalil Sports School that his short height would only prevent him from going far in his career. Many of his peers also doubted his abilities due to it.

Instead of letting the comments bog him down, Azizul used it to motivate him to train harder and focus on building up his speed as a cyclist. He’s now known at home and internationally for his nickname – the Pocket Rocketman – referring to his stature and skills on the track.

4. He delivered Malaysia’s first and second Olympic cycling medals

Azizul showing off his hard-earned silver Olympic medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics
Image credit: Olympic Council of Malaysia

Malaysia’s current tally of 13 Olympic Games medals from various Olympics comprise silver and bronze medals in three sporting categories – badminton, diving and cycling. Making his mark in history, Azizul helped deliver our country’s first ever cycling medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics in the men’s cycling keirin event.

He’s now won two Olympic medals, recently bagging the silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics on 8th August 2021.

Facts about Azizulhasni Awang
Azizul completing the final race at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won a silver medal in men’s cycling keirin.
Image credit: Majlis Sukan Negara Malaysia

But the road to winning his first medal at the Olympics wasn’t an easy ride. In the final round, before clinching an Olympic medal for the country, Azizul’s race had to be restarted twice due to technical difficulties. Nonetheless, he beat some of the world champions to place third in the finals.

Azizul winning his first Olympic medal
Image credit: @azizulhasniawang

After his first Olympic win, Azizul gleefully dedicated his medal to Malaysians and his devoted family, and shared a new dream to win gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. He managed to win a silver medal here – a praiseworthy achievement in itself. Nonetheless, it’s not always about winning medals, as the ‘Pocket Rocketman’ shared that his Olympic mission is to inspire the public.

5. He was a flag bearer at the Beijing 2008 Olympics

Image credit: @azizulhasniawang

It’s considered an honour for athletes to carry their country flags during opening ceremonies of prestigious sporting events, such as the Olympics. At 19 years old, Azizul – making his Olympic Games debut – was the flag bearer for Malaysia at the Beijing 2008 Olympics opening ceremony. He joined the ranks of 11 other athletes before him who had the same honour of being flag bearers since Malaysia’s involvement in the Olympics in 1964.

He was also chosen as a flag bearer at the Southeast Asia Games held in Bukit Jalil National Stadium back in 2017, along with national diver, Cheong Jun Hoong, and silat exponent, Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari.

Azizul carried the Jalur Gemilang at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Image credit: Olympic.org

6. He has won over 10 medals in his career

Image credit: Azizulhasni Awang, Azizulhasni Awang and Azizulhasni Awang

Azizul has competed in numerous national and international level tournaments, with 14 and counting bronze, silver and gold medals earned in his career. Aside from his noteworthy 2016 Olympics bronze medal and 2020 Olympics silver medal, he also scored the coveted gold medal at the 2017 World Championships. This is followed by gold medals won at the Asian Games in 2010 and 2018 – just to name a few.

Image credit: @azizulhasniawang

The accomplished athlete also celebrates his win in an unique way – by showing off his hard-earned medals, and well-earned rest, in a post-tournament selfie in bed with his medals.

Image credit: @azizulhasniawang and @azizulhasniawang

7. He finished third in the World Cup following a major crash

Image credit: @azizulhasniawang

Track cycling is a technical sport involving high-speed bikes that require fine-tuned skills, all of which Azizul exhibits as a track cyclist. But an unfortunate crash – an ever-present risk in track cycling – saw him colliding with three other cyclists during the 2010-2011 Track World Cup in Manchester, UK in 2010.

The accident left a 20cm wooden shard, part of the tracks, pierced through his calf. But even with the splinter in his leg, Azizul managed to pick up his bicycle and finish third – only to collapse after reaching the finish line and miss out on receiving his medal at the podium. It took him nearly a year to recover, resulting in a missed World Championships that year – but he made an impressive turnaround and comeback at the London 2012 Olympics.

On the incident, his coach, Beasley, applauded his character, saying that his love for the sport, and show of courage and character, is what makes him a fierce competitor and “fearless warrior”.

8. He’s worn the prestigious rainbow jersey for world champions

Image credit: Azizulhasni Awang

The rainbow jersey, bearing five colourful bands, is the symbol of a cycling world champion. It’s been around since 1927, with national athletes in the cycling discipline hoping to be able to don it in their careers. This includes Azizul, who dreamt of wearing the jersey since the early days of his career in 2007.

Fast forward ten years later, and Azizul managed to bag the gold medal at the 2017 UCI Track Cycling Championships, held in Hong Kong, earning himself the right to wear the jersey for the year. He is the first Malaysia cyclist to have the honour of putting on the jersey too.

As Azizul is known among his supporters for his good sense of humour, he told reporters after his win that he would sleep in the jersey and wear it on his journey back to Malaysia from Hong Kong – which he did.

9. He was conferred the title of Dato in 2021

Image credit: Azizulhasni Awang

In recognition of his achievements as a national athlete, Azizul was officially conferred the title of Darjah Kebesaran Darjah Dato’ Paduka Mahkota Terengganu (DPMT) by the Sultan of Terengganu, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin on 18th July 2021.

An investiture is yet to be held that formally acknowledges his new datukship title in person by the royal head of state, but rest assured, he’ll be joining fellow Malaysians recognised for their contributions to the country.

10. He has numerous accolades, including Sportsman of the Year

Azizul, left, with the late Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Che Puan Besar Hajjah Haminah, and Malaysian diver, Pandelala.
Image credit: Astro Awani

Following his big win at the Rio 2016 Olympics, Azizul was crowned Sportsman of the Year at the 2017 National Sports Awards. He previously won the same award in 2009 and 2010.

In 2018, Azizul was named male Olympian of the Year at the 25th Olympic Council of Malaysia Annual Dinner and Awards Night. He was also conferred the title, Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN), or Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm, alongside national diver, Pandelela Rinong in 2016.

Facts about Malaysian track cyclist, Azizulhasni Awang

Malaysia is home to accomplished athletes paving the way for many more budding athletes to come. This includes national track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, who managed to set several firsts in the country as shown by these facts – including being the first cyclist to deliver Malaysia’s first two Olympic cycling medals.

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Cover image adapted from: Olympic Council of Malaysia and Azizulhasni Awang