Azizulhasni Awang Wins Emotional Commonwealth Games Keirin Gold
Quick Look
- Malaysian cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, 38, won the Commonwealth Games keirin gold medal, shedding tears of joy at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
- This marks Malaysia's second cycling gold in Games history.
- Despite indicating retirement, his recent World Cup wins have officials urging him to race until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Azizulhasni Awang previously lost a keirin gold medal by disqualification at the 2010 New Delhi Commonwealth Games, with teammate Josiah Ng taking first place. He has also won World Cup keirins in Australia and Malaysia this year.
The tears came in a flood for Azizulhasni Awang as soon as he won.
He made his move in the keirin on the second-to-last bend, moved in front on the back straight, and crossed the finish line as the Commonwealth Games champion with his trademark mini wheelie.
Then the emotional 38-year-old shed tears of joy while circling the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, when he got off his bike and raised the Malaysia flag, and during an emotional medal ceremony.
Malaysia’s anthem rang out for only the second time in the history of Commonwealth Games cycling. It could have been Azizulhasni again but in 2010 in New Delhi he lost the keirin gold medal by disqualification for dangerously sprinting between rivals. Teammate Josiah Ng was promoted to first place.
Azizulhasni has indicated he will retire after the world track championships in China in October. But his results this year have convinced Malaysian officials that he should keep racing to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
He won the World Cup keirins in Perth, Australia, in March and in front of family and compatriots in Nilai, Malaysia, in April, and claimed the annual series title.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Azizulhasni Awang will compete in the world track championships in China in October.
Likely · Within months
Malaysian officials will continue to encourage Azizulhasni Awang to race until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Very likely · Within years
Open Questions
- Will Azizulhasni Awang continue racing until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?
- Will Azizulhasni Awang compete in the world track championships in China in October?
