Shereen Samson Vallabouy.
PETALING JAYA: National middle-distance ace Shereen Samson Vallabouy has shaken off an injury scare and is on track to make the starting line at the 33rd SEA Games in Bangkok.
National athletics coach Manshahar Abdul Jalil said the 400m star is recovering well after experiencing hamstring tightness three weeks ago, prompting the medical team to place her on a closely monitored rehabilitation programme.
Shereen, Malaysia’s reigning 400m champion and Asian Games bronze medallist, is expected to resume full training soon as she builds towards defending her SEA Games crown.
"She felt some discomfort in training, so we immediately pulled her back and placed her under rehab," he said.
"She's doing well. I checked on her this morning and she's improving, already beginning to run normally again. The doctor will review her next week. It depends on the report, but she's on track."
Shereen is expected to lead Malaysia’s charge in Bangkok from Dec 9–20, where she will defend her 400m title and anchor both the women’s and mixed 4x400m relays.
Her recent form - including breaking a long-standing national record (51.79s) and winning the SEA Games and Asian Games medals - positions her as one of the country’s strongest gold-medal prospects.
While Shereen headlines the women’s squad, the men’s team will once again rely on national 400m record holder Umar Osman, who is slated to feature in the 400m, 800m and 4x400m relays.
His versatility and regional dominance make him another leading contender for multiple podium finishes.
But beyond the star attractions, Manshahar said the focus is on ensuring the entire contingent improves on their 2023 results.
At the previous SEA Games, the Malaysian athletics squad bagged five golds, three silvers, and 11 bronzes, finishing fourth overall in the medal standings.
"We want to do better than before - that’s the main target," he said.
"The athletes who won medals previously should be maintaining their gold, silver or bronze."
He said he valued former SEA Games sprint king Khairul Hafiz Jantan's experience.
"People may say Khairul is not running 10.1 or 10.2 anymore, but he's still consistent this season at 10.55 and tactically very strong," he said.
"He’s among the top five sprinters in Malaysia and remains crucial for the relay."
