Born to sail

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3 — Not many know this but ever since the Laser category in sailing was introduced at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Malaysia has had at least one representative in contention.

Come the Rio Games, Malaysia would have created history as we have not one but two representatives. They are Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy in the men’s Laser Standard and Nur Shazrin Latif in the women’s Laser Radial.

Khairulnizam is making his second appearance at the Olympics as he made the cut in London four years ago.

“During that time I had qualified quite late,” he explained.

“I did not have much preparation and did not get to test out the race course. So when I went to London I pretty much winged everything, hence the 47 out of 49 placing I obtained,” recalled the 23-year-old Khairul.

From 1996 till 2008 Malaysia were represented by its longest serving Olympian, Dr Lim Leong Keat, better known as Kevin Lim.

When Kevin retired in 2008 to focus on obtaining a doctorate, Malaysia felt it would be a while before anyone else makes an impact. His best finish was 22nd place at the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Then came Khairulnizam. 

Born into a family of sailors, it was fated that this young man would take up the reins and prove his mettle by making it to his second Olympics.

“I can say unabashedly that sailing isn’t a sport for everyone. Once you decide to be a sailor your whole life is sailing,” aid Khairul.

“Many have asked me what else do I do? How do I earn a living? Well, you’re looking at it I would answer,” chuckled Khairulnizam.

“Just like several other elite sports, if you want to be the best, you have to train. And training means being out there in the sun, out there on the ocean, weathering the waves and the elements, working on your fitness and strengthening for the day you decide that you are good enough for that’s when you lose everything,” remarked Khairul.

Khairulnizam booked his ticket to Rio after winning the men’s Laser Standard gold medal at the ASAF Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in March.

He is trained by his father Mohd Afendy who was the national team manager but now has joined the podium programme where he feels his skills would be better utilised.

Khairul is aiming for a top 20 finish at Rio and to emerge as the best in Asia. 

He feels this target is achievable and even though he does not have the resources (other nations have trained in Brazil for a few years) he will put his best efforts to weathering the dirty waters and security issues in Brazil.

“If we stick close to each other and try not to draw too much attention to ourselves then I think we should be okay.

“As for the bacteria-infested waters, we will take steps to ensure we are protected. However, the thought of not going to Brazil has never crossed my mind. I wouldn’t miss the Olympics for the world,” chirped Khairul.

from Malay Mail Online | All http://ift.tt/2azrAhU

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