KUCHING: Having spent more than three decades in BMX, Ahmad Shaiful Aziz now stands on the sidelines, watching, assessing, and guiding a new generation of riders.
The 47-year-old from Shah Alam, Selangor, who last competed here about 20 years ago, returned this time not as a participant but as a judge for the BMX flatland event.
“In BMX flatland, I look for riders with original style, variety in their tricks, and consistency,” he said.
But beyond landing difficult tricks, Ahmad Shaiful said what truly sets riders apart is how they carry their performance, from control and flow to the ability to link movements seamlessly.
Years in the sport have also shown him that mental discipline often makes the difference between a good run and a failed one.
“Most riders have problems with consistency and focus. When they make a mistake, they become nervous, and it’s hard to regain focus for the next move,” he said.
External conditions, he added, can further test riders, especially when surfaces are affected by rain.
“It’s very slippery. If the platform is wet, sometimes we cannot ride at all and may have to continue the competition another day,” he said.
Reflecting on the local scene, Ahmad Shaiful said BMX in Malaysia has gone through cycles of growth, though the passion for the sport remains.
“In the 80s and 90s, we had a massive number of riders. Now it’s less, but we still have newcomers and returning riders, so the scene is still growing,” he said.
While he no longer competes, he continues to stay active through judging, coaching, and demonstrations, a role he continues to embrace after years in the sport.
