KUALA LUMPUR: Sprint sensation Mohd Azeem Fahmi made a flying start to 2025, shattering his own national 60m record with a blistering 6.60s run at the Tiger Paw Invitational at Clemson University, South Carolina, on Saturday (Jan 15).
It was an encouraging start to the year for Azeem, especially after he had already equalled his personal best of 6.62s during the heats the day before. He finished second in Heat 9 behind Christyn John Stevenson of the University of Southern California, who clocked 6.60s.
The 21-year-old went even faster in the semi-finals, recording 6.60s to book his place in the final.
"After two years, we are back on the right track. Alhamdulillah, a new national record," Azeem wrote on his InstaStory.
However, in a strange twist, the Perak-born sprinter and five other finalists did not start the race.
The men's 60m sprint title was eventually won by Adekalu Fakorede of Mississippi State University, who also clocked 6.60s, while Travis Williams of the University of Southern California finished second with 6.62s.
Despite missing out on the final, the achievement was a significant milestone for Azeem, who had been waiting two years to break his own national record.
His previous national mark of 6.62s was set at the same competition in February 2023, where he finished fifth in the final.
Azeem must now ensure he remains among the top 16 sprinters to qualify for next month’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships final.
This latest feat will serve as a huge confidence booster as he gears up for a packed season, including the Gumi Track and Field Championships in South Korea, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, and the SEA Games in Thailand later this year.
