KUALA LUMPUR – Although record-breaking national runner Shereen Samson Vallabouy looks to be a shoo-in for a medal at the upcoming Cambodia SEA Games, the 24-year-old also has her sights to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Currently undergoing her final semester at Winona State University, Shereen is expected to complete her studies next month, giving her more time to fully focus on her training for the Olympics qualification.
Speaking to The Vibes, Shereen’s mother and former national sprinter Josephine Mary said it has been a hectic season for Shereen having to juggle both her academics and athletic career.
“She was supposed to finish in December, but she took more credits so that she can finish in May and do her internship after.
“Once she is done with her studies she can fully concentrate on training because she wants to qualify for the Olympics.
Having to balance both her studies and running leaves her with little rest so she has been feeling quite tired,” she said.
The upcoming weeks will be packed for Shereen as she is expected to return home next week before heading to Phnom Penh with the Malaysian contingent for the SEA Games, and departing back to the US for college tournaments right after.
“It is a stressful few weeks because she has got an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division II competition towards the end of the month.
“But she is coping well and not complaining. You have to run when you have to run, and assignments have to be done. It is hectic but after May she should have more time,” said the two-time Asian Games bronze medallist.
Meanwhile, Josephine said Shereen was satisfied with her recent national record-breaking time of 51.80s at the 400m outdoor event during the St Mac Relays yesterday.
Shereen broke the 30-year-old record of 52.26s previously held by the late Rabia Abdul Salam, which she set at the 1993 Asian Championships in Manila, Philippines.
Even though Shereen’s time of 51.80s is already faster than the current SEA Games 400m record of 51.83s set by Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tinh in 2003, Josephine does not want to pressure the Perak-born runner as she makes her debut at the games next month, competing in the 400m and 4x400m events.
“Her progression has been going well and if she keeps it up she can further cut down the time.
“But everyone that comes for tournaments wants to win as well, and you don’t know about their performance because they may not publicise what they are doing.
“So we don’t want to pressure her but just let her train. Most important is to do the best and remain healthy, she has been training hard so the results will come,” she added.
Previously, Shereen set the national indoor 400m record at the Division II Track and Field Championships in Virginia, USA, with 52.27s. – The Vibes, April 16, 2023
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