Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi’s former coach predicts the national sprinter can achieve a sub-10-second 100m time within the next two years, citing his current performance and potential for improvement.

NATIONAL sprint star Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi has the potential to break the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres within the next one to two years, according to his former coach.

Muhammad Amir Izwan Tan expressed his confidence based on Azeem’s recent competitive performances. “Based on videos of his running and everything, there are actually many weaknesses that he can improve,” said Amir.

He added, “But what I can say, insya-Allah, this year or next year, insya-Allah, sub-10. I am confident he can do it because I have coached him before.” Amir was speaking after attending interviews for national athletics coaching positions.

He also stated his readiness to coach Azeem again when the sprinter returns to Malaysia at year’s end. His current focus, however, is on developing new sprinting talent for the country’s future.

The coaching interviews are being held to fill 20 vacant national positions. Malaysia Athletics Secretary-General Nurhayati Karim said 35 candidates attended the first session, with priority given to qualified local coaches.

“We also do not rule out the possibility of calling candidates from abroad if no suitable local candidates are found,” said Nurhayati. She clarified that any selected foreign coach would primarily train local coaches rather than athletes directly.

The appointment process for the new coaches is expected to be concluded by early March. Notable candidates include former national para athletics head coach R Jaganathan and former athletes Hakimi Ismail and Mohd Robani Hasan.

 The Sun Malaysia