PETALING JAYA: Track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang has sent the social media into frenzy after pedalling his way to a historic Olympics silver medal in the men's keirin on Sunday.
It may not be the long-awaited gold, but it was enough to put a smile on the faces of many Malaysians who had been following both Azizulhasni and teammate Mohd Shah Firdaus Sharom's progress in suspense since the quarter-finals on Sunday morning.
And the 2017 world champion Azizul certainly did not disappoint as he lived up to his billing as one of the top keirin competitors in the world to come in second to Britain's Jason Kenny.
On Twitter, many Malaysian fans celebrated his silver and also stood by him as they saw the sadness on his face after his dream to win gold was dashed.
A user under the tweet handle, @ae_6crystal, said Azizul's sadness was evident but told him to be proud of his efforts.
"It is okay, Datuk, please cheer up. Silver medallist is also a winner. You will forever be our Pocket Rocket Man! He upgraded his medal in Rio, from bronze to silver in Tokyo. Congrats to Jason Kenny and Harrie Lavreysen too."
@filzah_ayuni had this to say, "I can see the disappointment in Datuk's face. He lost before he could fight. It was gold for us, Malaysian, and nothing can replace to say how proud we are.
"I think that Dato Azizul didn’t see Kenny sprint that early because the second rider blocked everyone. Kenny knew he would lose to Datuk Azizul; that's why he did that," she quipped.
@MadiShafiq had something to say about the gold medal winner.
"Lain macam Jason Kenny (He was something else). I expected him to get tired before the finish, but he consistently maintained the gap he made after the third lap.
"Anyway, congratulations Azizul. We are proud of you."
@AmeerulAkmal called Kenny’s race outrageous!
"Pulling early gear then maintaining speed until the end of the race, it was outrageous. But I believe Dato Azizul could run side by side if that Australian didn't slow the pace of the remaining herd."
It may not be the long-awaited gold, but it was enough to put a smile on the faces of many Malaysians who had been following both Azizulhasni and teammate Mohd Shah Firdaus Sharom's progress in suspense since the quarter-finals on Sunday morning.
And the 2017 world champion Azizul certainly did not disappoint as he lived up to his billing as one of the top keirin competitors in the world to come in second to Britain's Jason Kenny.
On Twitter, many Malaysian fans celebrated his silver and also stood by him as they saw the sadness on his face after his dream to win gold was dashed.
A user under the tweet handle, @ae_6crystal, said Azizul's sadness was evident but told him to be proud of his efforts.
"It is okay, Datuk, please cheer up. Silver medallist is also a winner. You will forever be our Pocket Rocket Man! He upgraded his medal in Rio, from bronze to silver in Tokyo. Congrats to Jason Kenny and Harrie Lavreysen too."
@filzah_ayuni had this to say, "I can see the disappointment in Datuk's face. He lost before he could fight. It was gold for us, Malaysian, and nothing can replace to say how proud we are.
"I think that Dato Azizul didn’t see Kenny sprint that early because the second rider blocked everyone. Kenny knew he would lose to Datuk Azizul; that's why he did that," she quipped.
@MadiShafiq had something to say about the gold medal winner.
"Lain macam Jason Kenny (He was something else). I expected him to get tired before the finish, but he consistently maintained the gap he made after the third lap.
"Anyway, congratulations Azizul. We are proud of you."
@AmeerulAkmal called Kenny’s race outrageous!
"Pulling early gear then maintaining speed until the end of the race, it was outrageous. But I believe Dato Azizul could run side by side if that Australian didn't slow the pace of the remaining herd."
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