‘Pocket Rocketman’ sets new national record at Olympics

National track cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang finished 10th in the sprint qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics and moves on to the round of 32. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

National track cycling ace Azizulhasni Awang delivered a remarkable performance today, breaking his own national record during the qualification round of the sprint event for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Azizulhasni, dubbed the 

Pocket Rocketman

, achieved a time of 9.402 seconds, placing him 10th overall and securing his place in the round of 32 scheduled for 8.30pm.

This achievement surpassed the previous national record of 9.523 seconds that Azizulhasni set during the 2023 Asian Cycling Championships.

In addition to Azizulhasni’s success, Shah Firdaus Sahrom also progressed to the next round, finishing 22nd overall with a time of 9.635 seconds.

AFP previously reported that Azizulhasni said he wanted to complete the medal haul at the prestigious Games, having previously won silver and bronze in the keirin event at the Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016 Games, respectively.

The popular keirin speedster had heart surgery in 2022, but that has not stopped him from pursuing his dream of Olympic gold. - FMT