KUALA LUMPUR: Track cyclist Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom's performance at the Paris Olympics has proven he is ready to take over the helm from his mentor, Datuk Azizulhasni Awang.

Former Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said there was a silver lining following Azizulhasni's disqualification from the tournament as Shah Firdaus, who is previously Azizulhasni's understudy had the chance to prove himself in the tournament.

It was a moment of the passing of the baton from Azizulhasni to Shah Firdaus, Khairy said.

The former minister noted that Shah Firdaus's performance in the men's keirin final last Sunday showed that he was on the verge of winning the bronze medal before being involved in a crash with two other cyclists.

"He had his chance, and he took it. He's only 28. Track cyclists typically peak at 32. Azizul won his silver when he was 32," Khairy said in an episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.

Shah Firdaus reached the men's keirin final and appeared to be in a strong position to secure bronze before being involved in a crash with Japan's Shinji Nakano, which also took out Great Britain's Jack Carlin.

Shah became the centre of attention after his mentor Azizulhasni's campaign ended in disappointment when he was disqualified in the men's keirin first round for overtaking the derny before it left the track.

It was a massive blow to the nation's medal hopes, as Azizulhasni had been considered a potential gold medalist in the event.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/08/1091407/its-time-shah-firdaus-shine-says-kj