KUCHING: At just 17 years old, when most teenagers are caught between homework, exams and the uncertainties of adolescence, a Sarawakian teenager is already pushing the boundaries of what seems possible.
Afif Darwiysh Mohamad Nazir, a rising star in Malaysian cycling, has made his mark at the national championships and is now preparing himself for the chance to compete on the world stage.
“It’s not just a personal achievement but also a huge responsibility,” Afif said, reflecting on his rapid progress in the sport.
“The journey is still long and I know I have so much more to learn but I’m grateful for how far I’ve come and excited for what lies ahead.”
A Twist Of Fate: From Pool To Pedals
Afif’s story is unusual and perhaps even serendipitous. Before cycling, his sporting identity was tied to the pool.
As a district-level swimmer, Afif had been training regularly with hopes of competing more seriously in aquatic events but when the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, swimming pools across the country were shuttered.
Like many other young athletes, Afif was suddenly left adrift, his training disrupted, his daily rhythm broken.
Rather than succumb to frustration, he sought an alternative way to stay active. That was when he dusted off a bicycle and began cycling casually around his neighbourhood.
“Initially, it was just to stay fit. I never thought it would become something bigger.”
On his rides, he often encountered members of the BUCEROS Cycling Club, one of Sarawak’s most respected grassroots cycling communities.
Their discipline, energy, and camaraderie fascinated him. “Watching them train as a group sparked something in me.”
Soon, he mustered the courage to join them and what began as curiosity evolved into passion.
Family As Bedrock Of Support
Behind Afif’s quiet determination is a strong family foundation. His mother, in particular, has been his most steadfast supporter.
From the early days of casual rides to the high-stakes races of today, she has been present at nearly every event, often traveling long distances just to cheer from the sidelines.
“My mom is everything. She’s the reason I can do this. Her sacrifices, her prayers, they give me strength.”
Even when she cannot attend a race, Afif said she always calls beforehand to deliver words of encouragement.
His siblings, grandparents and extended family also form a close circle of support, offering not just encouragement but also practical help, whether it’s assisting with logistics or ensuring his academic responsibilities are not neglected.
Financial And Logistical Challenge
Cycling, especially competitive track cycling, is not a cheap sport.
Beyond the initial cost of a high-performance bicycle, there are constant expenses for maintenance, component upgrades, nutrition and travel.
For Sarawak-based athletes, an additional challenge lies in the absence of a velodrome in the state.
Afif and his teammates often have to travel to the National Velodrome in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, to train and compete at the highest level.
The costs and time involved in these trips are significant, and yet they press on.
“It’s tough,” Afif admitted. “We don’t have the same access as athletes in states like Selangor or Johor. For us, every trip outside Sarawak requires financial sacrifice, time away from school, and extra preparation. But that’s the only way we can keep up.”
Despite these hurdles, Afif refuses to dwell on limitations. Instead, he channels them into motivation. “I see it as a challenge that makes me stronger. If we can succeed despite these disadvantages, it means we’re building resilience.”
Balancing Studies And Sport
2025 is particularly demanding for Afif. As a Form 5 student, he is preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), the most important exam in the Malaysian school system.
At the same time, his cycling commitments have intensified. Training schedules demand hours of focus and energy, often overlapping with revision and homework.
“Time management is everything,” Afif said with a laugh. “There are days when I’m so exhausted after training, but I still need to hit the books. I keep reminding myself that both are important – sports and studies.”
He subscribes to the principle of “a healthy body, a healthy mind.”
For him, physical fitness and academic performance complement one another.
While his schedule leaves little room for social life, Afif insists he still finds time to connect with friends, though in a more limited way.
Training With Modern Tools
Afif is not only training harder but also smarter. With BUCEROS, he has been introduced to cutting-edge training methods that combine traditional outdoor rides with modern technology.
Routes like FAC and Politeknik Hill in Kuching provide varied terrain for endurance and strength training. On days when weather or schedules don’t permit outdoor cycling, Afif trains indoors using the Wattbike, a sophisticated stationary system that captures detailed performance data.
This data-driven approach is supplemented by AI-based training modules that tailor workouts to each rider’s individual profile. “We’re not just cycling blindly,” Afif explained. “Every session is tracked, analysed and adjusted. It’s scientific and it makes us better.”
This progressive method has attracted attention not only from other states but also from the National Sports Council (NSC).
Indeed, Afif’s training regime now aligns with modules developed by the NSC, showing how grassroots and national systems can successfully integrate.
Wearing The National Jersey
One of Afif’s proudest milestones came when he was selected to wear the national jersey. For him, it was more than a uniform – it was a symbol of trust and responsibility.
“To wear the flag on my chest is an honour beyond words. It means I carry Malaysia with me, and I must give everything I have.”
At the 2025 National Championships, Afif shocked spectators by beating more seasoned riders in the Individual Time Trial (ITT).
He also competed in the Madison, a grueling two-man relay event requiring seamless coordination.
Partnered with fellow rider Danial Hakim, Afif faced early struggles, including a crash at the Asian Cycling Championships in Nilai.
After months of practice and learning from Japanese riders renowned for their expertise, Afif and Danial eventually found their rhythm.
Their efforts paid off when they recorded Malaysia’s best result in Madison, a breakthrough achievement.
The Mental Game
Afif believes success in cycling is as much mental as physical.
“There are times I feel the pressure but I remind myself to stay calm and focused. I’ve learned to control my nerves and channel them into performance.”
This mental toughness, he said, is something young Sarawakian athletes must develop if they want to compete at the highest levels.
“Physical strength is important but without the right mindset, you won’t last. You have to be willing to accept criticism, learn from failure and keep pushing forward.”
Looking Ahead: Hopes And Dreams
Afif hopes to train overseas in a long-term programme, much like his idol Dato’ Azizulhasni Awang, Malaysia’s most decorated track cyclist.
“Training overseas exposes you to the best in the world. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone. I want to experience that, to learn strategies and gain the discipline it takes to succeed internationally.”
Ultimately, his ambition is to become a full-time professional cyclist, representing Malaysia at global events, including the Olympics.
Yet, Afif is also grounded. He wants to be more than just an athlete; he aspires to be what he calls a thinking athlete, one who balances physical excellence with intellectual growth, contributing back to the development of younger talents in Sarawak and beyond.
A Symbol Of Hope
Afif’s journey is still in its early chapters but already it offers inspiration.
Against the odds of limited facilities, financial hurdles and the balancing act of academics, he has proven that determination, family support and modern training can propel a young Sarawakian onto the national and potentially international stage.
Every ride, every race, every sacrifice is part of a larger dream not just his own but one he shares with his family, his state and his country.
“Every time I race, I don’t just race against others. I race against the version of myself from yesterday. That’s how I know I’m moving forward.”
With prayers from his mother, the unwavering support of his club and his own burning drive, Afif pedals closer each day towards the global cycling arena, and towards a future where Sarawak and Malaysia may proudly claim their place on the Olympic stage.
