Sprinter Jonathan gets to gauge form against top Germans in MA meet at Merdeka Stadium

PETALING JAYA: National sprinter Jonathan Nyepa (pic) gets an early test against some of Europe’s best runners when he makes his season debut in the Super Series MA International Meet.

The 29-year-old will line up in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay over two days at the iconic Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur starting tomorrow.

Jonathan is relishing for the opportunity to see where he stands.

Germany especially are sending a formidable sprint squad for the meet, including the likes of Deniz Almas, Owen Ansah, Heiko Gussmann, Lucas Ansah-Peprah, Kevin Kranz, Chidiera Onouha, and Yannick Wolf – all part of their preparations for the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou in two weeks.

Ansah made the headlines last year when he became the first German sprinter to dip under 10 seconds with a blistering 9.99s at the German Athletics Championships.

“I know the German team will be here in full force. I’m looking forward to testing myself against them,” said Jonathan.

“They will be out to put up a strong showing ahead of the World Relays, so I expect them to be sharp. It’s exciting to take them on at Merdeka Stadium.”

For Jonathan, the meet would be more about performance than podium finishes.

After a strong 2024 campaign, where he clinched Super Series titles in Perlis, Terengganu, and Sarawak, he is focused on building rhythm and clocking strong times.

“Training has gone smoothly, and I’m injury-free. I’m just focused and ready for the season ahead,” he said.

Last year, Jonathan’s season-best for the 100m was 10.41s, set at the Perlis Open in Kangar on October 12.

In the 200m, he timed 21.28s at the Malaysian Open in June. His personal bests – 10.28s in the 100m (2017 Jeongseon KBS Cup, South Korea) and 20.92s in the 200m (2019 Torrin Lawrence Memorial, US) – remain benchmarks he hopes to revisit.

While a podium finish may be a tall order with the presence of the German sprinting elite, Jonathan is unfazed.

“This is about pushing myself and laying down good times to carry momentum into the next phase of the season. I’m ready to compete hard.”

With seasoned experience and a determined mindset, Jonathan is ready to blaze down the track once again – regardless of who’s lining up beside him.