PETALING JAYA: At 16, para cyclist Mohd Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin was just a teenager with a dream inspired by the lightning-fast feats of Olympic medallist and world champion Azizulhasni Awang.
Now, 12 years later, that dream has turned into reality as Yusof proudly wears the same symbol of excellence as his idol – the iconic rainbow jersey of a world champion.
On Sunday, the 28-year-old, who grew up in Kuala Kangsar, Perak, claimed a historic gold medal for Malaysia in the Para Track World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Yusof won the men’s C1 sprint title after a stunning tactical performance to beat the legendary Spaniard Ricardo Ten Argiles in the final at the Rio Olympic Velodrome.
Argiles, the Paralympic gold medallist in Paris last year, was going for a fourth gold medal after winning the men’s 1km time trial, elimination and scratch events in Rio but could not get past Yusof and had to settle for silver in his last race of the evening.
It is the second medal for Yusof after taking silver in the men’s C1 1km time trial event on Thursday.
Argiles had topped the timesheets in the qualifying heats with a 0.903s gap ahead of Yusof.
The Malaysian later advanced to the final after beating Independent Athlete Ivan Ermakov in the semis.
For Yusof, a silver medallist at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, it was a dream come true to be crowned world champion.
“It is the dream of every cyclist to become a world champion and wear the rainbow jersey. I’ve finally achieved this,” said Yusof.
“I was actually aiming to win the 1km time trial event as I have taken bronze twice in Paris (2022) and in Rio (2024) but I had to settle for silver.
“The sprint was the last chance for me to beat Argiles, who is much more experienced compared to me.
“I’m just thrilled to raise the Jalur Gemilang here in Rio,” added Yusof, who also thanked Podium Programme coaches Rizal Tisin and Mohd Sallehudin Noh for providing the guidance and support.
Rizal, who took charge of the para cycling programme in July, was delighted to see Malaysia achieve their best ever result in the world meet.
“Yusof’s race was all about control, patience and execution. He trusted the plan, the results speak for itself.
“This win belongs to every Malaysian who believed in para sport,” said the former World Championship bronze medal winner for 1km time trial.
