PETALING JAYA: Sometimes fortune comes when you least expect it.<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
Nuraini\u2019s bronze is also historic as it is the first medal ever won by a Malaysian female para cyclist at a world meet.<\/p>\n
She was entered in the women\u2019s WC1 individual time trial \u2013 a category for cyclists with severe impairments but who are able to race on a standard bike.<\/p>\n
Despite making her debut on the world stage, Nuraini clocked 26:07.99 to secure a spot on the podium.<\/p>\n
Australia\u2019s Tahlia Clayton-Goodie lived up to expectations by taking gold in 19:34.82, while Brazil\u2019s Victoria Barbosa finished second with 24:42.97.<\/p>\n
The achievement came as a sweet boost for Malaysia just before the nation celebrates their 68th National Day on Sunday (Aug 30).<\/p>\n
National coach Sallehuddin Mohd Noh admitted that a medal was never the target when Nuraini was registered for the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe original plan was just to let her compete and adjust to her classification. She was only our back-up rider,” said Sallehuddin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven 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,\u201d he added.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
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