KUALA LUMPUR – In a decision marked by intense deliberation, the Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) has awarded the coveted universal slot (wild card) for the Paris Olympics to sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi.
This decision came after careful consideration between 20-year-old 100m sprint sensation Azeem and the nation’s 400m champion, 26-year-old Shereen Samson Vallabouy – none of whom qualified for the Olympics on merit.
Under new World Athletics regulations, which reserve the universal slot for athletes from the 100m, 800m, and marathon events, the decision ideally favours Azeem.
“It’s hard to make this decision, but in the end, we have to make a decision based on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) offer, which is that the wild card is given to 100m, 800m, and marathon categories.
“So MAF has decided to give the 100m wild card to Azeem,” MAF president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim addressed the media today.
Despite the tough choice, Shahidan urged a positive outlook and expressed hope for Shereen’s continued success.
“Whoever we choose, I hope the impact is positive for a brilliant future, and for those who are not chosen, I hope their efforts achieve more excellence in the future.
“Azeem may have reached his peak at 20 years old and he will continue to improve. We have to push him. He does not have much time left to prepare for the Olympics.
“Although Shereen was not selected because this wild card slot is for the 100m, I hope she will continue to drive her greatness.
“She has shown her greatness at the 2023 SEA Games by winning gold and bronze at the 2022 Asian Games,” he added.
The MAF hopes that this opportunity will spur Azeem on to greater heights and serve as a testament to the relentless spirit and hard work of all Malaysian athletes. – July 3, 2024