THE Olympic countdown begins in earnest today. With just 30 days to go before the world’s greatest sporting extravaganza kicks off in Beijing, Timesport begins its coverage by introducing the Olympic Dream column, which gives readers a chance to know our Olympians. We start off with Josiah Ng, the only Malaysian to feature in a final in Athens four years ago.

FOUR years ago on his Olympic debut in Athens, Josiah Ng captured the imagination of the Malaysian cycling fraternity by coming within metres of a medal in the keirin.

Today, the 28-year old plays two roles, not just as medal prospect but as the guardian of the successful national sprints programme, which he drew up in 2005.

It was after the 2004 Olympics that the Malaysian World Class Track Cycling (MWCTC) plan was proposed by Josiah, and renowned Australian coach John Beasley was roped in to chart the fortunes of a fledgling squad with big dreams. Four years down the road, that programme has resulted in three other cyclists qualifying for the Olympics, as Josiah looks to secure a worthy down line of Malaysian cyclists of the future.

Together with Azizul Hasni Awang, Rizal Tisin and Edrus Yunus, Josiah is currently in Germany, going through the final turn in preparation for the Olympics. Just as the world is tuning up for Beijing, so are Josiah and Malaysia’s eager squad.

Azizul finished fourth in the 200m sprint at the German Grand Prix in Cottbus on June 27, and so did the team sprint combination of Josiah, Azizul and Rizal, who made the semifinals and finished fourth.

“That was a tune up for the Olympics, so pretty much everyone who is anyone was there except for the French,” said Josiah.

The squad then headed for Valencia, Spain, where training goes on full swing until the Olympics. But Josiah remembers well how he was on top of his game and among the favourites leading up to the Olympics four years ago, which isn’t the case this time around.

“I had a great season that year (2004) leading up to Athens. How times have changed. Right now if you compare my current form to my form back then, I’m stronger and faster but somehow my results show otherwise,” said Josiah.

“The reason for that is two pronged. The depth of the field is currently double what it used to be and I have lost a bit in terms of mental sharpness in my racing.

“I think that is quite normal for a seasoned athlete who has been competing at an international level for almost a decade. I do believe that Beijing will bring out the tiger in me though.

Not only that, the prominence is now on a fast-rising 20-year-old Azizul, capped by his second consecutive Asian keirin title and the addition of the 200m sprint gold medal in the Asian Championships in Japan in April.

“I am really proud of Azizul and what he’s done in such a short time. He’s got a bright future ahead of him and having him on the team is a real asset,” said Josiah.

“It took a bit of getting used to because I was used to being the top dog and all the attention that came with it. But I think we all benefit from each other and we genuinely feel like a close knit family.

“I believe he is the key to re-igniting the spark in my own career. When I see him race, I see a bit of myself from a few years ago. It’s very motivating.” But the Olympic medal, albeit within striking distance, could remain elusive in Beijing. For Josiah, it is something he has dreamed of since he began cycling as a five-year old.

“I’m a dreamer, always have been. The Olympics is where dreams are realised. Strange things often happen and underdogs defeat the overwhelming favourites. The current Malaysian track cycling team is very capable of a medal. Don’t count us out, even in the team sprint,” said Josiah.

Having done it all for Malaysian cycling — raised the level, won eight World Cup medals, brought up the promising youngsters — all that is missing is an Olympic medal.

“It means a lot to me. I have a dream. That medal is my only unfulfilled dream. I need this badly. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll keep going until I do get it. I always go for what I want in life and so far, I’ve always reached my goals,” said Josiah.

Professional life aside, Josiah has found time to fall in love with Ipoh lass Kim Ong, who also plays the role as his public relations manager. Josiah can hear marriage bells from a distance but chooses not to lose focus on his goals in Beijing.

“Yes, it will happen next year, mid year. You’ll get your invite for sure,” said Josiah.