Nurul Izzah Becomes First Malaysian Woman Cyclist to Qualify for Keirin and Sprint at Paris Olympics

Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, a 20-year-old national track cycling star from Kedah, has made history by becoming the first Malaysian woman cyclist to qualify for both the keirin and sprint events at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her qualification signifies a notable achievement for Malaysian cycling and women's sports in the country.

Nurul Izzah described her upcoming Olympic debut as a substantial advancement in her cycling career. "It is every athlete's dream to qualify for the Olympics and this is just the beginning for me to move forward," she said. "I am determined to work hard and deliver a strong performance in Paris. There is still a lot for me to learn in my career."

With Nurul Izzah's qualification, Malaysia will now have a total of nine athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The other qualified athletes include diver Bertrand Rhodict Lises, sailor Nur Shazrin Mohd Latif, shooter Johnathan Wong, archer Ariana Nur Dania Mohd Zairi, and weightlifter Mohamad Aniq Kasdan.

Why this matters: Nurul Izzah's historic achievement emphasizes the increasing strength and potential of Malaysian athletes on the international stage. Her qualification for two highly competitive cycling events at the Olympics serves as motivation for aspiring female athletes in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia.

Nurul Izzah's coach, John Beasley, commended her dedication and progress, noting that she has been training diligently to enhance her skills and speed. Malaysian officials expressed their pride in Nurul Izzah's accomplishment and pledged to provide the necessary support to help her and the other Olympic-bound athletes prepare for the Paris Games.

Key Takeaways

• Nurul Izzah, 20, first Malaysian woman cyclist to qualify for 2024 Olympics
• Qualified for keirin and sprint events, a historic achievement for Malaysian cycling
• Malaysia to have 9 athletes competing at 2024 Paris Olympics, including divers, sailors, and weightlifters
• Nurul Izzah's qualification motivates aspiring female athletes in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
• Nurul Izzah's coach commends her dedication, and officials pledge support for Olympic preparation