Don’t run Azeem down as he still has the whole world ahead of him

SPRINTER Mohd Azeem Fahmi’s disappointment showed on his face right after he finished seventh with a time of 10.26s in the heats in his first World Championships recently.

His reaction was only expected as the US-based 19-year-old had left for Budapest with the hope of posting a time close to his personal best of 10.09s and become the first Malaysian to reach the semi-finals in the world meet, but all that will remain a dream for now.

Instead of beating his chest in despair, Azeem admitted his shortcomings and planned to capitalise on the priceless experience to step up at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, next month.

And surely the world meet will not be his last as he’s determined to come back stronger.

Now, that says a lot about Azeem’s attitude as a future star.

His fans, including me, know that if Azeem keep at it, it will not be long before he becomes the first Malaysian to hit sub-10 seconds in the 100m and achieve many more milestones along the way.

He has the potential and the right mindset too.

But sadly, some are questioning his stay at the Auburn University, where he has been juggling between his education and athletics careers since the start of this year.

Some have even concluded that it’s a waste of tax payers’ money.

“What did he learn in the States? There is no improvement?” one netizen commented.

Another even said, “Waste of money and time.”

Some also claimed that he has been given special treatment!

Really? I feel these comments are uncalled for.

Azeem went to Auburn University on a scholarship. Not only did he shine during the World Junior Championships in Cali last year where he shattered the national record, which he is holding now, but he also excelled academically with good results in his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

He earned his spot on merit and not because of his colour, creed or background. There was no currying favour with anyone. Azeem deserved it.

In fact, since moving to the US, the Teluk Intan-born athlete has carried himself well on-and-off the lanes, and given time, he is set to be the biggest phenomenon in Malaysian athletics. In fact, he is the best we’ve got right now.

Of course, we want to see Azeem make headlines on the world stage, not just in Asia and Southeast Asia.

But this process will take time. He is still learning now and is also bulking up. I believe he will come good at the Asian Games.

Azeem is not only gifted but he is also a hard-working and determined person. If not, he would not have made that huge decision to leave his family, friends, local food and the comfort of life here in pursuit for success.

He has sacrificed much and will surely reap the rewards in due time.

And it could come as early as his first Asian Games next month or later in other competitions. But one thing is certain - Azeem has all the credentials to make the nation proud.

I’ve the confidence that Azeem will silence his small group of critics one day.