Japanese cyclist apologises for crash that took out Shah Firdaus

Japanese cyclist Shinji Nakano has apologised for crashing into Muhammad Shah Firdaus Sahrom during the Keirin event finals last night and dashing Malaysia’s hope for a third bronze medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Nakano posted his apology on TikTok following a barrage of angry comments from Malaysian netizens who found him on social media.

"I apologise to all Malaysians for my mistake. Please do not mention my family’s name.

“I should be responsible and please do not involve my family,” said Nakano today.

Shah Firdaus recovered and initially ended the race in fourth place following the crash that also caused Great Britain cyclist Jack Carlin to lose control during the final lap of the finals held at the Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines National Velodrome.

However, the final result showed that Shah Firdaus was “relegated” and fell to sixth place.

Nakano has since turned his Instagram private after initial checks found over 36,000 comments, mostly negative towards him and also his family, underneath a most recent photograph posted after the race.

Earlier today, Shah Firdaus’ older brother, Muhamad Ridwan Sahrom, urged Malaysians to cease their attacks on Nakano, stating that such accidents can happen and no one should be blamed.

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