Monday, July 21, 2014

National flag bearer Fatehah ready to do nation proud

A group shot of national cyclists (from left) Josiah Ng, Fatehah Mustapa, Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Edrus Mohd Yunus before boarding their flight to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.
A group shot of national cyclists (from left) Josiah Ng, Fatehah Mustapa, Azizulhasni Awang and Mohd Edrus Mohd Yunus before boarding their flight to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.

GLASGOW: Despite the long flight, there is an air of confidence in the country’s top woman cyclist Fatehah Mustapa as she prepares to compete in her first Commonwealth Games.
And, being the country’s flag bearer at the Games here is just the tonic for her to do the impossible in Glasgow.

The cycling competition starts on Thursday at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the 25-year-old Fatehah has set her sights on becoming the first woman medallist for the nation when she takes part in the 500m time trial.

“Who would have thought that I would be the flag bearer for the nation in my first Commonwealth Games stint. I’m truly honoured,” she said.

“It will inspire me to win my first medal. I will go all out for the ride of my life.”
Fatehah was chosen after the initial flag bearer, world No. 1 shuttler Lee Chong Wei, withdrew with a thigh injury.

Fatehah is also oozing confidence following a sensational performance in the Asian Cycling Championships in Kazakhstan last month – clocking a personal best of 34.898 to win the bronze in the 500m time trial.

“I’m in good shape,” declared Fatehah, who became the first Malaysian woman cyclist to win a World Cup medal – a keirin silver – in the final leg in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in January.
Fatehah, however, acknowledges that her mission to create history in Glasgow is fraught with obstacles as she will face tough opponents from Britain and Australia.

National coach John Beasley believes that the Games will be Fatehah’s moment of reckoning.
“I believe that Fatehah is going to make Malaysia very proud at the Games. She has progressed well and her good showing in the Asian meet is testament the hard work she has put in over the years,” said Beasley.

“The 500m time trial is a one-lap event and, if everything goes according to plan, she has a chance to nick a medal.”

Beasley said that the cycling team were in high spirit ahead of the Games.

“They are tired after the long journey to Glasgow as we had several delays but they are all in good condition. I’m looking forward to a good showing from them,” he said.

The others with a chance of winning medals are Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng, Mohd Rizal Tisin and Mohd Edrus Mohd Yunus.


The Star

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