KUALA LUMPUR – National runner Shereen Samson Vallabouy’s current performance shows that the 24-year-old’s training is effective, said Perak Athletics Association president Datuk Karim Ibrahim.
This comes after the Winona State University-based athlete set a new 400m indoor national record with her time of 52.27s at the US National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships in Virginia, USA.
Karim said this was thanks to Shereen’s university coach and family, who have been closely monitoring her progress overseas.
“They never rushed or tried to do something impressive which could backfire later.
“The progress planned by the coach was excellent for her, and the reason for her success is that she has been following the steps needed to achieve it,” he told The Vibes when contacted.
Karim added that Shereen’s current target now is to break the 30-year-old national 400m outdoor record of 52.56s set by the late Rabia Abdul Salam during the 1993 Asian Championships in Manila, Philippines.
“For the indoor event, athletes run two rounds, but in the outdoor event, it is only one loop around the track.
“Even if she clocks 52.27s outdoors, it still breaks the national record,” said Karim.
Karim said he is proud to see Perak-born Shereen and fellow sprinter Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi flourish overseas.
Azeem, who is currently studying at Auburn University, broke the 24-year-old national record for the men’s 60m indoor sprint event with his time of 6.63s.
However, Azeem would not be part of the Malaysian contingent heading for the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games from May 5 to 17 due to other university commitments.
“We are not going to put pressure on Azeem; we will let him progress on his own accord.
“Shereen and Azeem have their (respective) university guidelines they need to comply with for their scholarship,” he said. – The Vibes, March 12, 2023
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