KUALA LUMPUR: Speedster Azeem Fahmi is capable of becoming the first ever Malaysian to run the 100m under the magical 10 seconds.
This was stated by Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, who was once Asia's fastest man, after he watched Azeem race to the bronze in the 100m final on Saturday at the Hangzhou Olympic Centre Stadium.
The 19-year-old Azeem, who holds the national record of 10.09 seconds, clocked 10.11 to finish third in the men's 100m final. China's Xie Zhenye posted a scorching 9.97 to win the blue riband event and Thailand's Puripol Boonson finished second with 10.02.
Azeem ended Malaysia's 41-year medal drought in the coveted century sprint since Rabuan Pit's 10.68 run for gold in 1982 in New Delhi.
Known as the "Flying Doc", Jegathesan, who won three gold (100m, 200m and 4x100m) in the 1966 Asian Games, said: "Congrats to Azeem for becoming the third fastest man in Asia.
"Azeem has a bright future and he also has age on his side. He can further climb up the ladder in competitions.
"Azeem must keep going and he has six to seven years to reach his peak."
Jegathesan, 79, said Azeem needs to build up his muscles, strength and speed to keep improving his times.
"He has the ability to become the first Malaysian to dip below 10 seconds in competitions," said Jegathesan.
The next mission of the United States-based Azeem is to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. To do that, he has to run 10 seconds flat.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
from New Straits Times https://ift.tt/Jv1Chi4
0 Comments