KUALA LUMPUR: United States-based sprinter Azeem Fahmi was on fire as he clocked a personal best of 10.04s to finish sixth in the 100m heats of the NCAA Division 1 East Track and Field Championships in Jacksonville, Florida on Friday.
Although his effort was better than his national record of 10.09, it was not recognised as a new national record.
His mark arrived with the help of a 5.5+ wind.
Azeem, who is studying at Auburn State University in Alabama, finished overall 11th out of 24 athletes in the quarter-finals.
Ten sprinters ran below 10 seconds in the quarters, and Da' Marcus Fleming of Louisiana clocked the fastest time of 9.85, followed by Cole Beck of Virginia (9.87) and PJ Austin of Florida (9.88).
On Wednesday, the Perak-born clocked 10.21 to finish third in the preliminaries.
"I did not break the national record, but I am still proud of my performance here.
"A long season ahead, and I will be back," Azeem tweeted.
Former coach Amir Izwan said Azeem achieved 10.04, despite injuring his right groin a week ago.
"It was unfortunate that his race on Friday was wind-assisted and will not be recognised as a new national record.
"Azeem was against elite runners, with 10 of them dipping below 10 seconds.
"I am happy with Azeem's performance, and it is just a matter of time he will break the national record."
Azeem must clock 10.00 or below to qualify for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19-27.
It was Azeem's fourth 100m race since arriving in the United States on Jan 4.
Azeem clocked 10.32 at the Florida State University (FSU) Relays Championship in March.
In the second race, Azeem clocked 10.14 to come in sixth at the East Coast Relays in Jacksonville, Florida, in April.
He then clocked a season-best mark of 10.11 and 10.25 (in the final) at the SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Louisiana on May 12.