Set for long run on fast lane

Back to first gear: Danish Iftkhar Roslee slowing down to a jog after winning the 200m final at the Super Series MA International Meet. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Danish Iftkhar Roslee is fast becoming a name to watch in Malaysian athletics.

The 18-year-old national junior sprinter cemented his growing reputation as the “Speed King” by sprinting to double gold at the Super Series MA International Meet at Stadium Merdeka yesterday.

The Johorean was unstoppable in the 200m, clocking 21.81s for a comfortable win. This came after his victory in the 100m a day earlier, where he stormed to a time of 10.57s.

In the 200m final, Danish surged ahead with a commanding lead before visibly easing off in the final stretch.

Danish said the slowdown was intentional.

“I accelerated hard in the first 150m and then paced myself to avoid injury. There was barely a two-hour gap between the semi-final and the final, so it was about managing my body,” he said.

That careful strategy earned him his second gold of the meet, ahead of Rizal Mikhail Romzi (22.23s) and Airiel Iskandar Rusli (22.40s).

Though pleased with his double win to open the season, Danish insists he’s only getting started.

“Two golds is a good way to begin, but I know I can do more,” he said.

“My next focus is the Asian Track and Field Championships in South Korea (May 27–31).”

On the women’s side, sprinter Nur Aishah Rofina Aling made headlines of her own by smashing her personal best in the 200m.

The 26-year-old Sabahan clocked 24.68s to win gold, comfortably ahead of national teammate Nur Afrina Batrisyia Mohd Rizal (25.50s) and Zaimah Atifah Zainuddin (26.01s).

It was her first gold of the season and a significant milestone.

“There’s no secret formula. Just hard work at training,” said a beaming Aishah.

“My previous best was 25.14s, so to lower it like this is really special. Hopefully, I can carry this momentum into the Asian meet,” added Aishah, who bagged silver in the 100m (11.80s).

Meanwhile, German sprinter Kaden Lilly was grateful for the opportunity to compete in Malaysia.

The 23-year-old only ran the 200m semi-final, winning her heat in 24.49s.

“It was a tough run, it’s my first 200m of the season, but I’m pleased with how I felt,” said Lilly, who boasts a personal best of 23.47s, set at the Bank Indoor Meet in Germany three years ago.

“The track here is fantastic, and Malaysian hospitality has been incredible.

‘‘I’m using this meet to build up for the World University Games in July. I’m heading back to Germany now, but this outing in Malaysia is one I’ll definitely remember.”