As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, Malaysia is gearing up to send a dedicated contingent of about 20 athletes to compete from July 26 to August 11.
These athletes are poised to make a significant impact across a diverse range of sports, including diving, weightlifting, badminton, archery, cycling, shooting, and sailing. Here, we highlight the promising talents representing Malaysia on the global stage.
Diving ♂️
Bertrand Rhodict Lises
18-year-old Bertrand Rhodict Lises, is the first Malaysian to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Rhodict earned his place by finishing 10th in the Men’s 10m Platform event at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka in July 2023. His remarkable performance among the top 12 divers worldwide promises an exciting debut in his first Olympic Games. Rhodict’s agility and precision will be critical as he competes against the world’s best divers.
Shooting
Johnathan Wong Guanjie
Johnathan Wong Guanjie, a seasoned shooter, secured his Olympic spot with a stellar performance at the 15th Asian Shooting Championships in Changwon, Korea.
Making his second Olympic appearance since Rio 2016, Wong’s dedication and skill continue to inspire, as he aims for success in the 2024 Paris Games.
Cycling ♂️
Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir
Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir makes history as the first female road cyclist from Malaysia to compete in the Olympic Games.
She earned her spot after Malaysia secured a slot by finishing second among Asian countries yet to qualify at the Asian Road Cycling Championships in Thailand.
Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang
On the track cycling front, 2020 Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang returns to the Olympics with high hopes. Known as the “Pocket Rocketman” for his explosive speed, Azizulhasni will compete in both the Sprint and Keirin events.
Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom
Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom will make his second Olympic appearance after Tokyo 2020. Competing in the Sprint and Keirin events alongside Azizulhasni, Shah Firdaus has shown consistent performance on the international stage and aims to build on his past experiences.
Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri
Newcomer Nurul Izzah Izzati Mohd Asri, dubbed the ‘Pocketrocketwoman,’ secured her place by clinching the bronze medal in the women’s sprint at the Asian Track Cycling Championships in New Delhi, India, in February 2024.
She becomes the second Malaysian woman cyclist to make the sprint podium in Asian championships history. Nurul Izzah’s speed and agility will be crucial as she competes in the Sprint and Keirin events.
Archery
Ariana Nur Dania
Eighteen-year-old Ariana Nur Dania is a rising star in archery. She earned her place in Paris by clinching the gold medal in the Women’s Recurve Individual event at the World Archery Asian Continental Qualifier in Bangkok.
Ariana’s victory over Uzbekistan’s Ziyodakhon Abdusattorova signifies a promising future in her Olympic debut. Her precision and composure will be tested on the world stage as she aims for Olympic glory.
Sailing ⛵
Nur Shazrin Mohamad
Malaysia’s sailing team features two experienced athletes. Nur Shazrin Mohamad, 25, will make her third consecutive Olympic appearance after securing gold in the Sailing Women’s Single-Handed Dinghy ILCA 6 at the Xiangshan Sailing Centre in Ningbo, China, in September 2023. Her experience from the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be invaluable as she navigates the waters of Paris.
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
Joining her is Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy, set for his fourth Olympics. Despite a setback at the 2024 ILCA 7 Men World Championships in Adelaide, Khairulnizam clinched his spot by finishing third at the Last Chance Regatta 2024 in Hyeres, France.
His resilience and tactical skills will be on full display as he competes in the Men’s Single-Handed Dinghy ILCA 7.
Badminton
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik
Badminton remains a strong suit for Malaysia. The men’s doubles team of Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik, world champions, are strong contenders for Malaysia’s first Olympic gold. Their performance at the All England Open Championships in 2024 secured them important points in The Race to Paris Ranking. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the duo won Malaysia’s sole bronze medal, and they are now aiming for the top spot.
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah
Hopes are also high for women’s doubles shuttlers Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, who qualified for the Paris Olympics after their performance at the All England Open.
In their debut appearance at the Olympics, they will be the sole representatives for Malaysia in the women’s doubles in the showpiece event. Their synergy and tactical gameplay will be essential as they compete against the world’s best pairs.
Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei
In mixed doubles, world No. 9 pair Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei are expected to be the sole representatives for Malaysia. Making their Olympic debut, they bring a blend of agility and strategic play to the court, aiming to make a significant impact.
Goh Jin Wei
Goh Jin Wei, the two-time world junior champion, will compete in the women’s singles. Overcoming various health challenges, Goh has remained in top shape for Paris 2024. Her resilience and skill make her a formidable competitor on the Olympic stage.