The Paris Olympics 2024 men’s keirin event ended in heartbreak for Malaysian cyclist Shah Firdaus Sahrom, who saw his dreams of a podium finish dashed by an untimely crash. Shah Firdaus, who had shown incredible form leading up to the final, was among the favorites to secure a medal for Malaysia in the high-octane, unpredictable world of keirin racing.
The men’s keirin, a thrilling and fast-paced event that originated in Japan, is known for its intense competition and the razor-thin margins that separate victory from defeat. Shah Firdaus had demonstrated his skill and tenacity in the earlier rounds, outpacing some of the best cyclists in the world to earn his spot in the final. His performance had raised hopes among Malaysian fans and cycling enthusiasts that he could follow in the footsteps of his mentor and fellow Malaysian, Azizulhasni Awang, who had previously medaled in this event.
As the final race began, Shah Firdaus positioned himself strategically, staying close to the leaders while conserving energy for the crucial last laps. The race was going according to plan until disaster struck in the penultimate lap. In the high-speed jostling typical of keirin, Shah Firdaus was involved in a collision with another rider, sending both of them tumbling to the track. The crash, which occurred at a critical moment in the race, instantly ended Shah Firdaus’s hopes of a podium finish.
Despite the crash, Shah Firdaus quickly got back on his feet, showing the spirit and determination that have made him a beloved figure in Malaysian sports. However, the damage was done, and he could not rejoin the race in time to compete for a medal. The incident was a bitter disappointment for the 28-year-old cyclist, who had worked tirelessly to prepare for the Olympics and was in peak physical condition.
The keirin final continued without Shah Firdaus, with the remaining riders battling for the top spots. In the end, the gold medal went to Japan’s Yuta Wakimoto, who delivered a masterful performance to claim victory. The silver and bronze medals were awarded to riders from the Netherlands and Australia, respectively.
