Selamiah Yong: Who Is Azizulhasni Awang’s Mother?

In the pursuit of greatness, the unwavering support of family can be the driving force behind an athlete’s success. For national cyclist Azizulhasni Awang, one person who has been a pillar of support is his mother, Selamiah Yong.

As Azizulhasni made history by earning Malaysia a bronze medal in the keirin event at the Rio Olympics, his mother, Selamiah Yong, could not have been prouder. Hailing from Dungun, Terengganu, Selamiah, 52, traveled to Ipoh to witness her son’s remarkable achievement, accompanied by relatives and her cherished grandchildren.

Speaking about her son’s journey, Selamiah shared that the entire family was filled with joy and pride for Azizulhasni, fondly known as the Pocket Rocket Man. Despite the distance between them, Selamiah has been a constant source of support and encouragement, cheering on her son every step of the way.

Azizulhasni’s wife, Athiah Ilyana Abd. Samat, also plays a pivotal role in his success. At 30 years old, Athiah holds a degree in architecture from Deakin University in Geelong, Australia. A dedicated wife and mother, she willingly became a full-time housewife to care for their two daughters, Amna Mariyam, aged 3, and Amna Khadeeja, aged 11 months.

Athiah’s commitment to her family extends beyond their home in Melbourne, where Azizulhasni is based since 2007. In addition to looking after their children, she also takes charge of her husband’s diet, ensuring that he maintains a healthy and balanced lifestyle as he strives for excellence in the world of track cycling.

Azizulhasni’s dedication to his Olympic dream has been unwavering. For the Rio Olympics, he took his preparations to a whole new level, setting his focus apart from the previous games in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012. This time, he made conscious efforts to refine his diet and sleep schedule, with early nights to rise early for intense training sessions.

The love and support from both his wife and his mother have undoubtedly played a significant role in Azizulhasni’s journey to success. As he continues to make the nation proud with his outstanding achievements, the sacrifices of his family and the unwavering support of his mother, Selamiah Yong, remain a source of inspiration and motivation for the Pocket Rocket Man. The pride and joy shared by his family serve as a testament to the power of family bonds and the invaluable support that drives athletes to reach new heights in their sporting careers.