The nation’s legendary cyclist, Rosman Alwi, admitted that he has been slapped, his ears have been pulled and he has been insulted by his own father in front of his peers. However, he took the pain and turned it into something positive as an aid to success.
Although the son of the former national cycling coach, Alwi Ahmad, thinks of those heart wrenching memories in his glory, the Asian Sprint Champion who won the title in 1987 did not give up.
Reminiscing about the past, Rosman who is dubbed ‘The Turtle Head’ said the pressure from his father ensued from his own failure to put himself at par with the rest of the track cycling athletes.
He explained that it happened when he and his friends were undergoing training. His father said: ‘Others can do it, you can’t. You are such a disgrace, you are a coach’s son, if you can’t (compete), go home’.
In his vivid memories, his father said: ‘Don’t train if you want to play like this. Cycling is not child’s play. You don’t use machines, but your energy. If you would rather waste your energy and time or deliberately hurting your body, just quit already!’
It pained him to hear those hurtful words, but those words actually make Rosman miss his late father who passed away seven years ago.
He said being the national cycling coach’s son was not easy when he spent most of his time with his father, especially since he started his career in his teen years.
“I was frustrated in the beginning as I have never been reprimanded in front of my friends before. And when I was treated like that, I wanted to punch him. But when I thought about it, I shouldn’t do so.”
“I trained until I almost lost consciousness, he (father) would come… When he was worried, he wouldn’t push me too much. As a trainer, he was very serious but after training, all the athletes would gather around like his own children. This house became some sort of eatery, a meeting point for all international athletes who were training with him.”
“That is what I really respect about him and that is why I have continued his legacy up until today,” said Rosman, who described punctuality as his father’s ultimate discipline as a coach.
The sprint champion was involved in a drug scandal when he failed a urine test during the 1981 SEA Games in Manilla, which caused him to be banned for two years.
However, he returned to the international stage with a bronze in Asian Cycling Championship in Bangkok in 1983.
The highlight of Rosman’s career was in 1985 and 1987 when he won two gold and two SEA Games record in a row, thus redeeming his disappointment in 1981.
At the age of 40, Rosman competed in his last SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2001 before announcing his retirement from his beloved sport a year later.
Harits Asyraf Hasnan
Fri Jul 14 2017
Although the son of the former national cycling coach, Alwi Ahmad, thinks of those heart wrenching memories in his glory, the Asian Sprint Champion who won the title in 1987 did not give up. - ASTRO AWANI photo / SHAHIR OMAR
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.