KUALA LUMPUR: Juggling religious responsibilities and a lifelong devotion towards the Olympic Games can be tricky for athletes destined for Rio de Janeiro for the 31st edition of the Games on Aug 5-21.
These however are normal feats when the athletes concerned are track cyclists Azizulhasni Awang and Fatehah Mustapa.
The Melbourne-based pair are continuing with their daily fasting during Ramadan, so long as it does not compromise their performance in training with the final and most vital stretch of preparations for the Olympics.
Azizulhasni, 28, said the first week of Ramadan went by without much of a problem and he managed to fast while also completing his training blocks.
"The first week was no problem. I could handle it (training) while fasting because it matched with the training programme, where this was a 'down' week," said Azizulhasni, when contacted.
"As far as I can fast, I will, but we don't know yet. Maybe next week when the training intensity gets higher, I might not be able to handle it. Then I won't fast and replace the days I've taken off after the Olympics," said Azizulhasni.
This will be Azizulhasni's third appearance at the Olympics, having qualified for the keirin and sprint.
During Ramadan, Azizulhasni has his wife Athiah Ilyana Abd Samat with him in Melbourne and his meals are well taken care of by her.
The pair will also not be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at home this year, as they leave for a five-week training camp in Portugal on June 27, which will be their final phase of preparations ahead of the Olympics.
Fatehah too is taking it all in her stride.
"Thus far it has not been too tough, as the fasting period is shorter here. We usually break fast at 5.08pm," said Fatehah, 27.
But Olympic preparations will not be compromised and Fatehah said she would not hesitate to break her fast when the training intensity is upped from next week onwards, as she can replace the missed fasting days after the Olympics.
"When it gets tough with higher intensity, I may not be able to cope with fasting and training. In those moments, I will not fast. But thus far, it has been manageable," said Fatehah.
She said for pre-dawn sahur she would usually only consume a protein shake before sleeping, while her usual breaking of fast meal would consists of rice with dishes like stir-fried beef and vegetables.
Fatehah will be competing in the women's keirin and sprint in her second appearance at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.