The world of elite sport often hinges on moments – moments of triumph, moments of despair. For Malaysian cycling icon Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, the Paris 2024 Olympics delivered a moment of profound heartbreak. Yet, as many fans who follow his storied career know, the "Pocket Rocketman" is defined not just by his victories, but by his resilience.
In April 2025, news emerged that Awang, defying initial expectations of retirement, was embarking on another ambitious comeback, setting his sights firmly on the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya.
The Moment That Shook Malaysia: Azizulhasni Awang’s Disqualification
On August 10, 2024, Malaysia’s Olympic hopes were dashed when star cyclist Azizulhasni Awang was disqualified during the Men’s Keirin first round in Paris. Known as the “Pocket Rocketman,” Awang was penalized for overtaking the derny (motorized pacer) before it exited the track—an automatic disqualification under current UCI rules.
Awang acknowledged the violation but stressed it was unintentional, blaming the slow pace of the derny and aggressive blocking from French rider Rayan Helal, which nearly caused a crash.
He explained he was caught off-guard and tried to backpedal, but couldn’t slow down in time. His coach, John Beasley, confirmed the infraction wasn’t minor, and despite appealing the decision, the disqualification stood—ending any chance of a repechage.
The incident sparked national outcry, with officials questioning why Helal’s tactics went unpunished. However, the UCI’s stricter rules post-Rio 2016 left no room for leniency. The episode highlighted the harsh realities of elite racing and the immense pressure on athletes like Awang, carrying a nation's dream of Olympic gold.
Fallout and Retirement Considerations
Azizulhasni Awang's disqualification in Paris left him devastated, captured in an image sitting trackside, head bowed in disbelief.
His first public words, "Heavy is the head that wears the crown," reflected the immense pressure he had been under, and Coach John Beasley described him as struggling to process the loss. Even days after the race, Awang admitted the incident deeply affected him, as Paris was expected to be his final Olympic appearance.
The disqualification ended Awang’s last shot at Olympic gold in a heartbreaking manner, leading him to seriously contemplate retirement. His family, having previously urged him to step away after heart surgery in 2022, saw this as a natural conclusion. The physical and emotional toll of his career, combined with the recent setback, made retirement seem inevitable.
However, Awang’s support team, including Coach Beasley and teammate Shah Firdaus Sahrom, encouraged him to push on, with some suggesting he aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Despite his personal turmoil, national support was unwavering. Malaysia’s Olympic Chef-de-Mission and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim both offered public words of comfort, emphasizing Awang’s status as a national treasure.
This period not only highlighted the emotional vulnerability of elite athletes but also the complex choices they face between personal well-being and the relentless pursuit of their passions.
Forged in Fire: A History of Resilience
Azizulhasni Awang’s career has been defined by resilience, overcoming significant challenges time and again. As he put it when deciding to continue, "I am no stranger to comebacks."
One of the most dramatic moments came in 2011, when a crash during a Keirin World Cup left a 20cm shard of the wooden track impaled in his left calf. Despite the horrific injury, he finished the race before collapsing and fought his way back to the top.
More recently, Awang faced a life-threatening health challenge. In 2022, he underwent open-heart surgery for a rare congenital condition, Anomalous Right Coronary Artery (ARCA).
Many doubted his return to elite cycling, but he proved them wrong. "Nobody believed he could go back to the top," said his coach, John Beasley, recalling how a sports cardiologist later admitted, "you proved me wrong."
In 2023, Awang silenced his critics with a stunning comeback, winning two golds at the Asian Track Cycling Championships and returning to the top five world rankings. His success was made possible by the support of his medical team, including the surgeon who performed his operation, Dr. Jeffrey Jeswant Dillon.
These challenges show Awang's remarkable mental and physical resilience. His history of overcoming adversity has strengthened his resolve, providing the foundation for his decision to push forward after the Paris setback, proving once again his unyielding determination to come back stronger.
Azizulhasni Awang Makes a Comeback for Nagoya 2026
In April 2025, Azizulhasni Awang officially postponed retirement, committing to compete through at least 2026 with a focus on the Asian Games in Nagoya and the Commonwealth Games. This marked a strategic shift after the Paris disappointment.
To support this new chapter, Awang will race independently under "Team Azizul," following discussions with the National Sports Council and the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This move allows national efforts to focus on younger athletes while giving Awang the flexibility of a professional setup.
Despite his new structure, he still receives significant support: a RM200,000 (USD 46,216) government grant, access to training facilities, possible use of national equipment, and continued guidance from Coach John Beasley. Minister Hannah Yeoh backed the plan, emphasizing Awang's discipline and commitment.
After eight months off, rebuilding won’t be easy. Awang admitted he lost key muscle mass and needs time to return to competitive form. His plan is phased—2025 will focus on regaining fitness, with 2026 geared toward winning. He’s careful not to rush, prioritizing long-term health and performance.
Awang’s trademark discipline remains vital. Even during his break, he trained regularly, balancing sessions between Malaysia and Melbourne, where he lives with his family and studies Exercise Science.
His immediate goal is to earn a place in Malaysia’s sprint squad for the 2025 World Championships in Chile, showing his measured, science-driven approach to making a sustainable comeback.
