No need for Shereen to be 100m sprinter, says Ballard

PETALING JAYA: National woman runner Shereen Samson Vallabouy is doing fine in the 400m event and there is no reason to shape her into a 100m sprinter.

Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) technical director Robert Ballard said Shereen was in the right lane in the 400m event as she prepares for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21-23.

“I think Shereen is in the correct event. But as any great 400m runner is, they have to have a good 100m time. That then helps to develop their overall time in the 400m event,” said Ballard.

Right where she belongs: Shereen currently holds the 400m indoor national record of 52.27s set in 2023 during her time competing at the collegiate level.

“Right now, she is back in the States and will be heading to Nanjing with her coach on March 17.

“She will run the 400m indoor there and we are excited and hopeful she can do well.

“The main thing would be for her to get close to her national record in the event, which would be amazing,” he said.

The 26-year-old Shereen currently holds the 400m indoor national record of 52.27s, set in 2023 during her time competing at the collegiate level.

She had been training in Malaysia from October last year until last month and has returned to the United States to train with coach Derrick White.

Ballard added that the MAF are targeting for Shereen to compete in the Thailand SEA Games, Asian Athletics Championships in South Korea, and Athletics World Cham-pionships in Japan this year.

“Shereen can compete in the early season in the outdoor events, which is straight after the World Indoor Championships.

“That will set her up nicely for the Asian Championships in May,” he said.

Shereen also currently holds the national 400m outdoor record (51.79s) and the 200m outdoor record (23.33) as well.