KUALA LUMPUR – It looks like national sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi will be heading to Auburn University to continue his studies and athletics journey next year in January.
A source in the athletics fraternity told The Vibes that it is likely that Azeem and his family have decided to choose Auburn University in Alabama, where Olympian Leroy Burrell is the head coach for athletics.
After checks, it is understood that Azeem would have the opportunity to be coached by the two-time 100m world record holder Burrell, if he enrols with Auburn University.
“Azeem is expected to make an announcement soon, as he will need to join the January intake.
“I am not sure if he will be receiving a full scholarship.
“Burrell is good at unearthing young talents, and it might be a good choice for Azeem to go to Auburn,” said the source who requested anonymity.
Burrell was previously the head coach for the University of Houston and had Olympic legend Carl Lewis as his assistant coach.
However, in June, he stepped down and joined Auburn University as head.
Earlier, The Vibes reported that the National Sports Council had contacted former national athlete Liew Wai Hon last month to enquire about the university options and the application process to the United States.
However, Auburn University was not the only university on the list, as two other universities were also shortlisted, namely University of Houston and Texas A&M University.
The 18-year-old Perak born lad shattered the national 100m record at the Under-20 World Athletics Championships in Cali, Colombia this year after he clocked 10,09s in the heats.
Azeem took 0.09 seconds off the previous record of 10.18, which was set by Khairul Hafiz Jantan during the 2016 Malaysia Games in Kuching, Sarawak.
Meanwhile, Azeem, who is making his debut at the Sukma Games this year, clocked the fastest time in the semi-finals of the men’s 100m yesterday, clocking 10.33s to qualify for the final today. – The Vibes, September 16, 2022
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