PETALING JAYA: Id be lying if I say there is no pressure, said Azizulhasni Awang as he counts down the nine remaining days before its curtains up for the Tokyo Olympics.
But the track cyclist, who is seen as Malaysias best hope for an Olympic gold, is taking the expectations of a nation in his stride.
The only Malaysian world champion in an Olympic sports discipline when he rode to gold in the 2017 World Track Cycling Championships in Hong Kong, Azizul said he is used to the pressure having represented the nation for 15 years.
Of course there will be pressure. The pressure is always there more so at the biggest sporting event in the world which happens every four years, said Azizul, who gets down to business at the Izu Velodrome in Shizuoka from Aug 4-8.
For me to go to the Olympics as a gold medal prospect for the country takes it (pressure) to another level.
But from previous experience I believe I know how to handle.
From the psychological aspect, I use this as a motivating factor. Unless Im sick, I will give my 100% in every training session as I know it will eventually decide whether I win or lose in my mission, said the 33-year-old, who will be making a record fourth Olympics appearance in Tokyo.
Asked how it felt to lead the chase for the elusive medal in the absence of three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei who has retired, Azizul replied: Im a professional athlete. Instead of hiding, I step forward and take the responsibility.
Whatever the result is, I will not be disappointed because I know I have given it absolutely everything I got.
You know me, Im a warrior. I fight for my country and my people. Im going to give it more than 100% and as Ive said… there will be no regrets, added Azizul, who will be competing in the sprint and keirin alongside Mohd Shah Firdaus Sahrom.
