THE dates for the Tokyo Olympics may change due to Covid-19 affecting Azizulhasni Awang’s training programme but his goal stays the same — to win a medal.
The track cycling star believes he can finish on the podium in the individual sprint event at the Tokyo Olympics following his strong improvements in the discipline recently.
The Dungun-born, who is known for his prowess in the keirin, however, said clocking a fast time in the qualifiers to earn a favourable draw will be imperative in Tokyo.
In addition to the keirin bronze, Azizulhasni also clocked a new Asian record en route to finishing third in the individual sprint at the recent Berlin World Championships.
He lost to eventual winner Harrie Lavreysen of the Netherlands in his semi-final but beat Poland's Mateusz Rudyk in the bronze medal playoff.
It was the first time Azizulhasni had won a sprint medal at the world meet since 2009.
Lavreysen, who won the keirin, individual sprint and team sprint titles in Berlin, is the favourite in Tokyo.
“Based on my performance in Berlin, I would say that a (individual) sprint medal is possible,” said Azizulhasni.
“I hope I can set a fast time in the qualifiers and secure a good draw.
“If Lavreysen is first in the qualifiers and I am second, then there is a good opportunity for me to reach the final.
“If I can reach the final, it becomes a different story (anything can happen).
“I had won silver at the world meet before (in 2009), so that can happen again.”