Written by Anis Zahirah
Edited by Alissya Nazir
MELBOURNE, 15th August 2024: Dato' Azizulhasni Awang, Malaysia’s celebrated "Pocket Rocket Man," announced his retirement from competitive cycling. Although he didn't secure an Olympic gold medal, his career has been a beacon of national pride and achievement.
Azizulhasni Awang standing next to his Olympic poster at the Athlete 365 booth | Credit: Azizulhasni Awang on Instagram
Azizulhasni's career is marked by notable successes. His nickname "Pocket Rocket Man" reflects his small stature and formidable track performance. Competing in five Olympic Games highlights his endurance and dedication. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he won a bronze medal in Keirin, becoming Malaysia's first Olympic cyclist medalist. He came close to gold with a silver medal in the Keirin at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
His accomplishments extend beyond the Olympics. Azizulhasni clinched gold in Keirin at the 2017 World Championships in Hong Kong and secured multiple silver and bronze medals at other World Championships. In Asia, he won gold in both Sprint and Keirin at the Asian Games and earned numerous titles at the Asian Championships.
Asian Games 2023 | Credit Paris Olympic 2024 Website
Azizulhasni’s drive stems from his love for cycling and his goal to represent Malaysia. “I [have] always wanted to win gold in the Olympics,” he said. “Cycling is my passion, and that passion pushed me to keep going, no matter the challenges.” Despite facing setbacks, including a disqualification at the Paris Olympics, his faith in Islam helps him persevere. “As a Muslim, I believe challenges are tests from Allah,” he explained. “These tests are meant to make us stronger and teach us patience.”
The sacrifices he made were substantial. He dedicated countless hours to training and managed health issues, including a rare heart condition. “The sacrifices were huge,” he admitted. “I had to give up a lot of time, energy, and even risk my health. But these sacrifices were necessary to reach the top.”
Azizulhasni’s advice to young athletes emphasises resilience. “You must be resilient. The road to success is long and full of challenges. As you go higher, the obstacles will get tougher. But with discipline and focus, you can overcome anything.” His journey reflects not just his quest for medals but his perseverance and commitment. “It’s not just about winning,” he said. “It’s about proving you can keep going even when things are tough. I hope my story inspires others to stay disciplined and focused.”
Support from his family, particularly his wife Athiah Ilyana, played a crucial role. Athiah paused her career as an architect to support him. “It wasn’t easy,” she shared. “But I believed in his passion and wanted to be there for him.” Her positive outlook during challenging times was vital. “I always tried to stay positive,” she said. “I reminded myself that everything happens for a reason. When Azizul faced difficulties, I focused on helping him move forward.”
Azizulhasni Awang and his wife, Athiah Ilyana | Credit: Athiah Ilyana
Athiah’s advice in establishing a strong family relationship is to offer support and understanding. “Supporting each other is very important,” she advised. “Marriage and family life can be tough, especially with a demanding career. Facing challenges together makes the relationship stronger.”
Azizulhasni and Athiah also guide their children to pursue their passions with discipline. “We believe in guiding our children with strong values,” Athiah added. “It’s important to keep them focused on what truly matters.”
Azizulhasni Awang’s legacy goes beyond his medals. His story of perseverance, resilience, and discipline will inspire not only athletes, but also those who are facing challenges and pursuing dreams.
As Malaysia bids farewell to Azizulhasni’s competitive career, the nation honours his contributions with deep respect and gratitude. Rest well, Pocket Rocket Man. You have made us all proud.— TBC
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