PETALING JAYA: Sometimes fortune comes when you least expect it.
National para cyclist Nuraini Abdul Shukri, who was only meant to gain exposure, stunned everyone by bagging a bronze medal at the UCI Para Cycling Road World Championships in Ronse, Belgium on Friday (Aug 29).
Nuraini’s bronze is also historic as it is the first medal ever won by a Malaysian female para cyclist at a world meet.
She was entered in the women’s WC1 individual time trial – a category for cyclists with severe impairments but who are able to race on a standard bike.
Despite making her debut on the world stage, Nuraini clocked 26:07.99 to secure a spot on the podium.
Australia’s Tahlia Clayton-Goodie lived up to expectations by taking gold in 19:34.82, while Brazil’s Victoria Barbosa finished second with 24:42.97.
The achievement came as a sweet boost for Malaysia just before the nation celebrates their 68th National Day on Sunday (Aug 30).
National coach Sallehuddin Mohd Noh admitted that a medal was never the target when Nuraini was registered for the event.
“The original plan was just to let her compete and adjust to her classification. She was only our back-up rider,” said Sallehuddin.
“I actually thought Australia would send two cyclists, so I expected a four-way contest. In the end, they only sent one, which meant just three riders competed.
“Even so, I told Nuraini to give her best because anything can happen. I hope this medal will inspire her, and I believe she has the potential to be one of our main riders in the next two to three years. But she must work even harder,” he added.