PETALING JAYA: It's normal for athletes to use a base outside of their centralised training camp for their athletics' activities.
In fact, they are allowed to train outside.
The Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) technical director Robert Ballard clarified that decentralised training has long been part of MAF’s vision for a more flexible and performance-oriented system.
He was responding to athletes, who alleged that they had boycotted training by leaving their centralised hub in Bukit Jalil.
He emphasised that athletes' autonomy is not only respected but encouraged – so long as it operated within a clear framework of accountability, qualified coaching, and performance monitoring.
"The idea that athletes are being forced into centralised training is simply untrue. We respect where they train – as long as they remain committed to results and standards. Performance is the priority, not location," said Ballard.
Since 2023, MAF have championed the creation of regional training hubs, and in 2024, the programme working committee endorsed support for athletes training across states and even overseas.
Ballard stressed that the approach reflected MAF’s commitment to modernising the sport and providing flexibility without compromising quality.
Ballard also addressed the sudden exit of national sprint coach Mohd Poad Md Kassim, which left a void in the national sprint setup.
MAF were not officially notified by either Poad or his employer, the National Sports Council (NSC), about his departure, forcing the federation to act quickly.
An interim coaching structure, led by Ballard, was implemented, while an international search for replacements began. However, delays in contract approvals and funding saw several top candidates, both local and international, withdrawing.
"These delays aren’t due to a lack of effort on our part. They reflect broader structural issues, but we remain fully committed to securing world-class coaches," said Ballard.
Ballard also addressed field event development, citing efforts to strengthen the hammer throw discipline.
He praised athlete Jackie Wong for continuing his training in China and announced that MAF were working to finalise the appointment of a 1992 Olympic medallist from Cuba as national hammer throw coach – an expert who has already been conducting clinics with athletes like Grace Wong.
Since taking over in August 2023, Ballard has led reforms focused on accountability, athlete welfare, and global competitiveness.
"Reform often makes people uncomfortable, especially when it challenges outdated systems. But our athletes deserve a setup that’s world-class, inclusive, and future-ready," he said.
Meanwhile, Ballard celebrated national sprinter Mohd Azeem Fahmi’s recent success with Auburn University, where the Malaysian helped the men’s 4x100m relay team clock the fastest time in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA)
The quartet of Azeem, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Dario Matau, and Makanakaishe Charamba posted 38.39s to win their heat at the Tom Jones Invitational in Florida – behind only two U.S. national squads.
"Azeem was outstanding. Even in the individual 100m, despite a headwind of -0.6, he ran a solid 10.33s. I’ve spoken to coach Ken Harnden, and they’re excited for what’s next at the LSU meet in two weeks," added Ballard.
