This work is originally published by Cahya Mata Sarawak. DayakDaily has been given permission to share this story on our platforms.
By Martin Yee, Kenny Ee, and Marlynda Meraw
JOSIAH Ng Onn Lam had graced the grand stage of the Olympics not once, but thrice—first in Athens 2004, then in Beijing 2008, and finally in London 2012—becoming the first cyclist from Malaysia to represent his nation on this illustrious platform. For Josiah, whose parents are from Kuching—he embodies the hallmark of a true champion.
Kuching, unfortunately, was not an ideal cradle for lofty cycling ambitions, especially for a young track cyclist. In those early years, Josiah dreamt not only of becoming an Olympian or a world champion, but also harnessed the innate ability to focus, the discipline to endure, and the strength to overcome adversity.
Born in 1980 in the Philippines, Josiah’s life took a turn when he followed his parents to the United States (US) at the tender age of eight. In this new land, the environment flourished, with opportunities to continuously learn and compete—experiences rare to find back in Malaysia. The dynamic world of track cycling found its perfect match in Josiah, and California became the fertile ground where he could cultivate his dreams.
The journey, however, was riddled with difficulties. At 18-years-old, a clash of aspirations led to his parents disapproving of his desire to pursue cycling as a career, resulting in his departure from home to live with relatives. This moment of hardship became the tipping point of his life, igniting a fervent determination within him.
When in California, he immersed himself in the thrilling cycling atmosphere, watching races at the Redlands Bicycle Classic near his hometown of Loma Linda that gradually became invaluable learning experiences.
Josiah seized the opportunity to participate in competitive races, even though his debut saw him finishing last.
Despite coming in last, he set a new goal: to break into the top five in his next race. With relentless dedication and a well-structured training plan, he defied the odds and achieved that goal, solidifying his resolve to reach further.
“Each day I approached training as a competition day, psyching myself up for the challenge ahead. My physical ability was average, so I worked doubly, or even triply hard to achieve my aspirations,” Josiah shared.
As he honed his skills in California, the dream of joining the US cycling team loomed large. However, the harsh reality struck when he discovered that his dreams were thwarted by his non-citizenship status. Undeterred, he found a way to connect with the Malaysian cycling team upon his return in 1999.
In the run-up to the 2004 Olympics, another obstacle came rolling when Josiah suffered a severe injury—a broken wrist, fractured nose, and a concussion. Yet, his spirit remained unbroken and recovered within six months, returning to training with the Olympics remained in his sights.
His Olympic journey glimmered with brilliance, crowned by a historic gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, where he became the first Malaysian to achieve such an honour in track cycling. His accolades accumulated, including a silver medal at the Asian Games in Busan in 2002 and Doha in 2006, as well as the recognition as a Malaysian Olympian and Sportsman of the Year in 2004.
Like all great journeys, Josiah’s competitive career eventually reached its conclusion. At the age of 34, reality struck when his ranking slipped below the top 20, a sobering wake-up call for a once-elite athlete. An accident during the 2013 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Track Cycling World Cup in Mexico ultimately sealed his decision to retire. His final race took place after the 2015 World Track Cycling Championships in Paris, where he made a heartfelt resolution to give back to the sport that had given him so much.
Josiah’s legacy, however, did not end with retirement. With his high profile as an Olympic athlete, he was invited to coach the Thailand cycling team, leading them to their inaugural Olympic participation in the sport. He also shared his wisdom as the coach of the Sarawak team for the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Kuala Lumpur in 2022.
He brought a competitive edge and professionalism to those he coached, instilling in them the same spirit that had driven him. After his time coaching Sarawak, Josiah returned to Kuala Lumpur, where his wealth of experience and deep knowledge of the sport continued to influence aspiring athletes.
Josiah’s guiding principle, “Stay fit and stay sharp,” highlights his belief in treating every day as a competition—both in cycling and in life. Alongside Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, known affectionately as the ‘Rocketman’, Josiah stands as one of the legendary figures in Malaysian cycling, a testament to the power of dreams and the indomitable spirit of a champion. –DayakDaily
