Former Malaysian track cyclist Josiah Ng has urged Malaysians to move past the ‘RM10’ fiasco involving Junior Cycling Malaysia (JCM) and embrace the opportunities created through the program.
The former Commonwealth Games gold medalist penned a heartful post on his Facebook page earlier today, responding to the social media debacle on cash prizes offered during JCM’s inaugural event last weekend.
“I would like to now tell a story and give a few examples of how I didn’t have “luck” on my side. Here is an insider view to a portion of my story I faced to get through all the challenges faced in sport. There were many moments that I could have adopted the same RM10 mindset and just complained or quit,” Ng said.
“But I didn’t and looking back, I received something that RM10, RM100, RM1,000, or even RM1,000,000 can’t ever buy. I lived beyond my dreams and have experienced things I would have never had the opportunity to otherwise. I have travelled the world, met amazing people, and represented my country at some of the most prestigious events in the world. Looking back, I got a lot more out of sport than I would have ever imagined.
He went on to explain the problems he faced with his parents, who weren’t too happy with his obessesion with cycling. In fact, they even ordered him to leave home at the age of 18, when it became evident that Ng was not going to give up on his dream.
“When I was 15, my parents had enough of my obsession. My father told me that my bicycle was no longer welcome in the home. RM10 boy would have told me to be obedient and just sell the bike. I had different plans. I stored my bike at my best friend’s house 4km down the road. I would wait until my parents went to bed every night.
“I would then get dressed and roller blade to my friend’s house (yes, roller blades were cool back in the day) for training in the middle of the night, then roller blade back to my home and go back to bed. My parents eventually found out and made me an ultimatum. My father told me that on my 18th birthday if I decided to pursue cycling, I can do so but not under their roof. I really didn’t believe they would really kick me out so I continued to race.
“On my 18th birthday, my father asked me nicely to pack my bags. I remember that day like it was yesterday. He shook my hand and said “good luck son.” RM10 boy would have probably quit and stayed home to play video games. I had some great people that let me stay with them for free. To feed myself, I used all the skill sets I had at that time. I tuned pianos, taught violin, and taught spinning classes.”
Josiah’s problems didn’t end there. After failing to accomplish his goals in the United States of America, he returned to Malaysia, hoping to make an impact here. But when he first arrived, things didn’t look too good.
“When I arrived at the newly built KLIA, my grandfather showed up in a beat up 2-door Honda Civic full of his plants and things. He didn’t have room for me and my bicycles. So I unpacked my road bike, and rode to his flat in Ampang in the pouring rain. Crazy times but that was a memory I cherish.”
Check out the full post HERE
Other posts by FO Newsdesk
