Azizulhasni Awang
A Malaysian track cyclist who, despite his compact frame, became a global force in the keirin, earning his nation's first Olympic cycling medal.
Born 1988 (age 38)·Malaysian cyclist based in Australia·Birthday: January 5·Millennials
Biography
Azizulhasni Awang, known as 'The Pocket Rocketman,' is a study in concentrated power and relentless ambition. Hailing from a small village in Malaysia, he turned to cycling as a teenager, using it as a means of transportation before his explosive talent on the track was discovered. His relatively small stature for a sprinter became a signature strength, allowing for a low center of gravity and explosive starts out of the gate. Based for much of his career in Melbourne, Australia, he honed his craft under world-class coaching, specializing in the high-stakes, tactical chaos of the keirin event. His breakthrough was a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a moment of national pride as Malaysia's first-ever Olympic medal in cycling. He didn't stop there, upgrading to silver in Tokyo 2020, missing gold by a heartbreakingly narrow margin. Beyond the Olympics, he is a Commonwealth Games champion and a multi-time World Championship medalist. His career is a testament to technical precision and mental fortitude, inspiring a new generation of Malaysian athletes to compete on the world's biggest stages.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Azizulhasni was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Azizulhasni Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Azizulhasni's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won Malaysia's first Olympic cycling medal, a bronze in the keirin at the 2016 Rio Games.
- Earned a silver medal in the keirin at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, narrowly missing the gold.
- Became the first Malaysian to win a gold medal at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships (2017 in the keirin).
- Is a five-time Olympian, representing Malaysia at every Summer Games from 2008 to 2020.
Did You Know?
His nickname, 'The Pocket Rocketman,' was given due to his height of 1.65 meters (5'5") and explosive speed.
In 2011, he crashed during a World Cup event in Manchester, with a wooden spliner from the track impaling his leg; he returned to competition months later.
He was awarded the title 'Dato'' by the Sultan of his home state of Terengganu for his sporting achievements.
He is a trained barista and has expressed interest in opening a coffee shop after his cycling career.
“I want to show the world that even a small guy from a small country can do big things.”
