AS he ended his race, Fakhrul Afizul Nasir of Kelantan glanced at the timeboard – and he was celebrating even before crossing the finish line.
He was not just jubilant over by his Malaysia Games (Sukma) 400m hurdles victory, he was revelling in a new national record.
The 20-year-old was the first to shatter a first national record in athletics at the Games as he swept to victory in 51.11s at the Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya yesterday, breaking his own record of 51.26s set at the Asian Under-20 Championships in June last year.
“I am beyond words, it is a great feeling. I am so glad I could finish the race without any injuries,” said the sixth child of eight siblings.
“My aim was always to get the record but when I clocked above 53s in the semi-finals, I was concerned.
“There was a fight from other athletes, but once I got my rhythm, I just got going.”
Johor’s Mohd Aiman Najmi Mohd Anuar finished second with a time of 53.20s, while Federal Territories’ Emmanuel Josbert took bronze with 53.50s.
Fakhrul rise has been meteoric as he only took up the 400m hurdles in July 2022. In just two years, he has cemented himself as one of the best hurdlers in the nation despite being only 20.
“In July 2022, I started hurdles and now I am here, breaking records. Maybe I am inspired by Karsten Warholm from Norway, who holds the record in my event with a time of 45.54s.
“My coach Amirul Naim Abdul Ghani worked with him for two years. Now that I have broken the record twice, I hope to do it again and go sub-51. Also, I want to compete in the SEA Games next year and get a medal in Thailand.”
Amirul said Fakhrul is an athlete who is easy to coach.
“He is a dedicated athlete. I have no problems with him when it comes to training. We always discuss ways to improve his timing and what is needed when it comes to clearing his hurdles.
“I am so happy for the lad. He deserves whatever he is achieving now.”
