Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
NATIONAL sprinter Md Noor Firdaus Ar-Rasyid Hj Idris has set his sights on a new national record when he competes in the men’s 200-metre event at the 30th SEA Games in the Philippines.
His current best and national record is a time of 21.39s, which he set two years ago in the previous edition in Kuala Lumpur.
The 23-year-old is coming off a successful outing after striking gold in the 200m event with a time of 21.64s at the Pre-SEA Games event last month.
However, Firdaus is not satisfied despite the podium finish knowing that he can go faster.
“I’m not really happy with my result because I know that I can do much better,” said Firdaus in an interview with BruSports News yesterday.
“What I hope for this SEA Games is to be able to set a new national record for the event and if possible… to get a medal.
“Maybe I expect too much but that’s how it is suppose to be. I have to aim for a medal and automatically smash the national record,” he added.
“I’m gaining confidence day by day because of having a training partner here in Brunei,” continued Firdaus.
Things haven’t exactly been smooth sailing for the Brunei sprinter having to juggle between training and studies.
“Preparations for the SEA Games have been challenging having to divide my time for training and exams this semester,” said Firdaus.
“But I know that my mentality needs to be strong to always be fully committed for training and to revise for my exams despite feeling tired after,” he added.
When asked about the competition venue having already been to the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, Firdaus replied: “The venue was okay and it is easy to stay focused.
“There won’t be distractions as it is easy to get to the warmup area and the stadium.
“It is just a minute’s walk from the athletes village and I feel happy about it as I don’t have to worry about traffic and I can focus 100% and stay confident,” he concluded.
