PETALING JAYA: Para track cyclist Mohd Yusof Hafizi Shaharuddin (pic) has accomplished his task at the World Championships but now has set his mind on an unfinished business – win a Paralympic medal.
On Tuesday, Yusof ended the Para Cycling Track World Championships in Apeldoorn, campaign with an unprecedented haul of four medals – one silver and three bronze medals – for Malaysia.
The silver was won with a new national record of 1:13.300s in the C1 1km time trial while he also bagged bronze medals in the scratch, sprint and elimination events.
It is the first time a Malaysian cyclist, either able bodied or para category, pulled off a four-medal feat at the world meet.
The Kuala Kangsar-born Yusof was pleased to prove his worth and aimed not just to qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics but to make an impact.
“All the hard work, sacrifices and dedication this year paid off,” said Yusof.
“This is not my achievement alone but also due to the support of people standing behind me.
“Big thanks to my coaches, my teammates, and mechanics for the assistance throughout my journey.
“This is the best individual achievement for Malaysia at the world meet.
“I will continue training after this and aim for qualification for LA Games.
“With God’s will, I hope I can become the first rider to bring back a Paralympic medal in 2028,” said Yusof.
He has finished fifth at the last two Paralympic editions in Tokyo 2020 (men’s time trial) and in Paris 2024 (men’s individual pursuit).
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