Icons Unveiled: Josiah Ng has everything to be grateful for

Renowned for elevating Malaysia’s status in world-class track cycling, Josiah Ng attributes his success to unwavering passion. Born on February 2, 1980, Josiah boasts a remarkable career as a three-time Olympian, World Cup overall champion, and one of Malaysia’s most revered athletes. His crowning achievement came in 2010 when he clinched a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, thrusting his nation into the spotlight. Raised in the United States, Josiah’s journey was fraught with challenges. Despite parental disapproval of his cycling pursuits, he clandestinely pedalled through the night, stashing his bike at a friend’s house. At 18, faced with a pivotal choice from his father, Josiah boldly opted to depart from home and pursue his cycling dreams with unwavering determination.

With great power comes great responsibility. Having won multiple times in the Olympics and World Cup, how do you handle the pressure and expectations placed on you for each new competition you join?
I’ve turned pressure into my secret weapon. The tougher it gets, the more I’m driven to elevate my game. It’s a skill I’ve mastered over the past 30 years.

You grew up in a traditional Chinese family and didn’t initially receive full support for your chosen career path. What kept you going and motivated back then to pursue your dream in track cycling? Additionally, what keeps you motivated every day these days?
My motivation stems from my true passion for cycling, which I realized early on was my calling. Facing the ultimatum of quitting or being kicked out of my home only fueled my determination to prove my parents wrong. I was determined to succeed or die trying. Today, I stay motivated because I’m still following my passion. And now, with two young daughters aged two and four, I’m driven to provide them with the best possible opportunities in life. They’re my biggest motivation now.

Winning and losing are both part of the game. How have you dealt with the experience of losing a competition, and how did you manage to bounce back from it?
I handle losses better than most because I understand they’re part of the journey. Each loss brings me closer to a win. The longer the losing streak, the more satisfying the victory will be when it finally comes.

You’ve had several major injuries throughout your career as a track cyclist, yet you pushed yourself even harder after recovering. What was going through your mind while you were in the hospital bed? Did you ever consider quitting at that moment? Besides yourself, was there anyone who consistently believed in you?
Even in the hospital bed, I always stayed in a good mood. Why? Because I had what I call the “attitude of gratitude.” I could have died, but I was alive! I never thought about giving up because I saw it as just a temporary setback. I actually embraced the challenge. My close circle always believed in me because they knew my mindset, and they provided me with full support.

Continuing on the topic of trust and motivation, can you recall one of the best pieces of advice you’ve ever received? Who gave it to you?
My grandma gave me some advice when I was 10 or 11 years old. She told me to find what I was passionate about and figure out how to make a living doing it. I really took her words to heart.

Apart from your significant achievements in sports and your contributions to Malaysia, how would you like your legacy to be remembered?
My legacy lives on through every champion after me. It’s not about me alone. If there are no other champions to carry on the legacy and the current generation has to learn about me through media or history books, then I haven’t succeeded in leaving a legacy. But as it stands now, I believe I have succeeded because there are athletes like Azizul and others coming up through the current pipeline.

Do you have any other talents that many people might not know about?
During my teenage years, I played violin in the Southern California Young Artist Symphony Orchestra. Even now, I can still pick up the violin and play for a small audience.

I believe you’ve answered a lot of interview questions by now. Is there one question you wish you were asked? If so, what would your answer be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to a young adult out there, it would be to explore your interests by trying out various things. Once you find what truly calls to you, seek out a mentor who has succeeded in that field. Find a way to spend one-on-one time with them, perhaps by asking if you can treat them to lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to start working towards your goals.

What message do you have for our national team as we near the Paris Games next month? Also, any advice for young athletes aiming for success?
Stay focused amidst the distractions. Keep calm and approach each day as if it’s game day. Enjoy the journey and stay present in the moment.

Just out of curiosity, do you listen to any songs while you train? If so, what’s on your playlist?
When I was competing, I had a playlist. Before lining up for the finals of the 2004 Olympics, I listened to Eminem.