Q: You crashed in the men’s keirin event at the Tokyo Olympics last year. How has it affected you?
A: We race at high speed and crashes are inevitable. In Tokyo, British cyclist (Jack Carlin) was trying to overtake but came out of his line and I crashed trying to avoid him. I didn’t want to give up after preparing for five years, so I returned for the repechage. It was only later when I went for treatment as I could not breathe properly. My first Olympics experience has made me stronger.
Q: What’s another favourite thing you like to do?
A: To spend time with my parents in my hometown in Muar. I had been away from them for many years due to my training stint in Melbourne. I missed my mother’s cooking especially.
Q: Was the Tokyo setback the worst incident?
A: No, I dislocated my shoulder at the 2015 Track World Cup in New Zealand. I continued to ride although the pain was unbearable.
Q: What is the most important muscle part for track sprinting?
A: The lower body. We don’t focus on upper part so much as it creates drag when we sprint. We improve our lower body strength through gym workouts as it is important to sprint faster.
Q: What are you expecting in the Commonwealth Games?
A: I’m keeping a positive mindset. I aim to execute everything right on competition day. It’ll be competitive in the presence of world championships and Olympic medallists from Britain, Australia and New Zealand, so I need to be mentally strong.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
