KUALA LUMPUR: Azeem Fahmi wants to become the first Malaysian sprinter to qualify for the Olympics on merit in the men's 100m.
Currently ranked No. 36 in the Road to Paris rankings, Azeem must either beat the qualifying mark of 10.00 or finish in the top 48 before the June deadline next year.
The United States-based sprinter estimates he needs to clock around 10.10 to maintain his ranking.
Each country is only allowed a maximum of three sprinters for the Olympics in the 100m race.
"I want to be the first Malaysian sprinter to qualify on merit for the Olympics.
"I do not want to take things for granted. My aim is to dip under 10s to guarantee my Olympic spot.
"Although I am in good shape, I still need to improve on several elements, such as perfect starts from the blocks, speed, endurance and acceleration," said Azeem, a bronze medallist at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
Azeem, who holds the national record of 10.09s, clocked 10.11s to finish third in the Asian Games.
Azeem, who trains under coach Ken Harnden at Auburn University in Alabama, said he will focus on both the 100m and 200m when the indoor season starts next month.
"If I do well indoors in the 200m, I will also compete in the same event when the outdoor season starts in early April.
"However, I have a better chance of qualifying for the Olympics in the 100m. It is not easy to do so on merit for the 200m as the qualifying mark is 20.16.
Azeem must maintain his form and remain injury-free to achieve his goal as he only has roughly six months to become the first Southeast Asian sprinter to dip under 10s in his pet event.
"I am optimistic about my chances. I just need to stay healthy and do my best on the track."
Azeem thanked the Malaysian fans for their support and motivation, urging continued prayers and encouragement.
"I am so grateful for what I have achieved. It is all because of my fans.
"I hope the fans will continue to pray and support me so that I can continue to be who I am now.
"I never expected that I could be who I am today."
Azeem, who is in Malaysia for a short break, won the 200m at the Innotex Open on Tuesday, clocking 21.99s at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Azeem, who is only 30 per cent fit, slowed down in the last 30 metres of the race but still managed to break the meet record time (22.17s).