Thursday June 9, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu track cyclist Ummi Hamimah (pic) is small in stature but the clear-headed lass is ready to chase down a big goal.
The 16-year-old, fresh from a three-gold achievement in Sukma, is eyeing qualification for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics as she clings to the words of encouragement from fellow Dungun-born rider Azizulhasni Awang.
Ummi, who only started cycling competitively less than two years ago, met Azizul when he returned home earlier this year to officiate the ground-breaking of a new velodrome in Dungun. “His advice was not to be afraid to aim for the top and to be confident of our own ability,” she said.
“In many ways, we are similar. I am young and starting out in this sport but I always knew what I wanted to do all this while – to be a cyclist. But my family only allowed me to join the Dungun district cycling club after I finished my PMR exams.”
Ummi was also initially coached by Rozimi Omar, who first guided Azizul when he started riding competitively in Dungun.
Ummi has already been roped into the national back-up squad under the charge of coaches Soud Hussin and Junaidi Nasir. She was a revelation for Terengganu in the just concluded Sukma track cycling competitions at the Cheras Velodrome.
Ummi was making her debut in the Games and after bagging gold medals in the team events for pursuit and sprint, she took individual honours in the keirin final on Tuesday.
She held off the older and more experience Ju Pha Somnet to deny the Perlis rider from claiming a fifth gold medal.
“We had two riders in the final and had the advantage. It’s not the first time that I have beaten Ju Pha. I finished ahead of her in the sprint at the national junior circuit this year.
“I think I have a better prospect focusing on the keirin and sprint,” said Ummi.
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