PETALING JAYA: National track head coach John Beasley calls it a monumental mistake but wants cyclist Azizulhasni Awang to move forward.
On Saturday, Azizul was disqualified from the men's keirin race for going ahead of the derny (motorbike) before it left the track during the heat one at the Olympic Games in Paris.
"We've made a mistake, it's our fault and we can't take it back," said an emotional Beasley.
"The rule is clear and we were more than one length in front and it didn't give me any room to argue about it," said Beasley.
"We made a mistake and paid the price for it.
"It's hard on Azizul to end the career like this by not getting a chance to race at all. He's still in shock, has not said anything at all.
"It has happened, we have to move forward."
Beasley said Azizul was in the form of his life.
"We have had the best preparation, we had all that we needed. Azizul was in the best form, his health was good," said Beasley.
"That's why it's so hard on him. His last Olympics, his last race but it ended this way."
"He's broken and struggling to process it. I gave him the space after the race, and spoke to him briefly. He is still in a state of disbelief, I shared a few quiet words with him.
"We are sorry that it has turned out this way."
Beasley also apologised to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh.
"The Minister has to face the public, and we know it will not be easy for her too," said Beasley.
"Azizul had such good legs, maybe there was some pressure, only he knows. He has had a distinguished career but it's hard to end it this way. But we have to deal with it, that's life. We have to move forward," added Beasley.
