UMAR Osman had only run in the 800m race three times in his life, with his best time being 1:57.00.
In his fourth race – at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) he did the unthinkable.
The 21-year-old from Johor produced a time of 1:51.19s for the gold, smashing a 32-year Games record at the Sarawak Stadium in Petra Jaya yesterday.
Armed Forces’ G. Ampumani has set the old record of 1:52.35 at the 1992 Sukma.
It was also Umar’s fourth gold of the Games, and third record.
Silver went to Federal Territories’ P. Risheraam (1:55.31) while Pahang’s S. Sri Murugan won bronze (1:55.46).
“I’ve little experience in the 800m. I just worked hard in training to get the pacing for this event. I have only competed in three races before this. So I am shocked that I could do below my personal best,” said Umar.
“I actually braved myself to follow the fastest pacer. In the first lap, I didn’t feel tired.
“After the first 100m, I saw Shaun (Roshan Singh) getting tired, I pushed myself to go first in the last 300m and I am glad to have finished it off well.”
Umar had also won the 400m and both the 4x400m mixed and team relays. He shattered the Games record in the 400m and the boys’ 4x400m.
“First of all, I am grateful to help my state get the four golds and three records. I am satisfied,” said Umar.
Asked if he would compete more in the 800m now, Umar said, “I will follow coach Amir’s (Amir Izwan Abdullah)’s decision.”
Umar said that working under Amir, who trained national sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi to the national 100m record of 10.09s two years ago, has been good.
“After the Asian Games, I was not fully fit but coach Amir went back to basics and made sure I had confidence. I did strength and conditioning with Robert (Ballard).”
Thanks to his superb performance in Sarawak, Umar is among the favourites to win the Best Sportsman award and he hopes to win it.
Umar also will get RM10,000 for each individual goal.
“I will help my family in terms of some financial needs,” he said.
