KUALA LUMPUR: Sprinter Azeem Fahmi believes Malaysia's up-and-coming athletes should undergo training in the United States to elevate their performance in track events.
"I have improved a lot as a sprinter since moving to the United States in January. I hope our rising stars will get to train in the US," said Azeem.
The 19-year-old, who won the 100m bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games in September, was impressed with the performances of several athletes at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Athletics Championships and the Sea Youth Championships this year.
Azeem, who studies and trains in Alabama, singled out 15-year-old Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira as an athlete to watch in the near future.
"Izzatul was outstanding in the MSSM in Seremban by winning five gold medals (100m, 200m, 200m hurdles, 4x100m and 4x400m and setting three records (200m, 200m hurdles and 4x400m). She also won the best female athlete award.
"Her breaking the 200m record twice — 24.94 in the heats and 24.66 in the final — was especially impressive.
"She has a bright future and should study and train in the US after her SPM examination," said Azeem.
Azeem also commended 110m hurdler Hazriq Cik Mat Kilau for setting a new record of 13.44 at the Under-16 Sea Youth Championships in Bangkok.
His effort erased the previous record of 13.71 set by Thailand's Kittipong Kongdee in Jakarta in 2011.
Hazriq was also named the best male athlete in the MSSM after setting a new record of 13.46 in the same event.
The Form Five student of Tun Hussein Onn Sports School in Kluang has qualified for the World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru next year.
"I am proud of the talent we have in Malaysia. We have good track athletes, and they should follow in my footsteps to further improve their performance at the international level.
"These athletes should be given a chance to train in the US. I have made steady progress since moving to Alabama, and I hope to do better next year," said Azeem, who is studying at Auburn University and training under coach Ken Harnden.
Azeem holds the national 100m outdoor(10.09) and the 60m indoor (6.62) records.