The national athletics squad is positive that they can rake in gold in the walk events come August for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.
Choon Sieng and Khairil can get the job done – national coach
National coach Teoh Boon Lim is confident that his two front-runners for the walk events, Lo Choon Sieng and Muhammad Khairil Harith Harun, will be able to get the job done. According to Teoh, they are both experienced walkers with a proven track record.
Loh Choon Sieng clinched a gold medal for Malaysia at the 20km walk event during the 2011 Indonesia SEA Games. Khairil Harith Harun bagged bronze at the 2015 SEA Games in Singapore. His personal best was registered in Spain, when he clocked 1’29:38 in a competition in Spain last year.
“We have enough support from KOM (Malaysia Athletics Federation), the National Sports Council, and the National Sports Institute. That, and given the experience of Choon Sieng and Khairil, we’re sure we can contribute some gold medals.” Teoh Boon Lim said.
I can beat Choon Sieng – Khairil Harith Harun
Khairil Harith Harun has also set a personal target for himself in the upcoming 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games — to clinch gold in the 20km walk event.
“I’ll take the challenge myself to achieve it. And I’ll go all out,” Khairil told The Star. “The time I did last year (in Spain) is the best time recorded by a walker in the South-East Asian region.”
“It has boosted my confidence to clock a better time in the SEA Games, and to finish top of the podium.”
According to Khairil, Malaysian athletes used to reign at the walking events, and the time has come to regain those glory days.
When asked about his partner Choon Sieng, Khairil explained that it’s good to have healthy competition, but he won’t be intimidate by Choon Sieng.
“Choon Sieng is an experienced walker but I believe I can beat him to the gold.” he said.
Teoh Boon Lim will be bringing his team to train in Cameron Highlands to prepare for the 2017 SEA Games.
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