THE fine showing by Mohd Azeem Fahmi and Shereen Samson Vallabuoy is surely something to cheer about at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Both won bronze medals: Mohd Azeem in the men’s 100m and Vallabuoy in the women’s 400m. Their performances certainly made us Malaysians proud.
I noted that both are training and studying in the United States – they have obviously benefited tremendously from this. Usually, the news is about many of our athletes training abroad doing well in the university games, as well as in tournaments organised abroad. But when it matters most, they fail to deliver for the nation.
I think the most significant aspect of these two athletes is their body language. Mohd Azeem and Vallabuoy displayed very relaxed and calm dispositions prior to their events. That is of prime importance in being successful in any competition. As they say, half the battle has been won.
It is nice to know that the mental aspect of the athletes has been well taken care of; the precursor to soaring to greater heights in athletics.
Malaysian sportsmen and women must not neglect the mental aspect of their training and performances if they want to be successful in their disciplines. It’s not just about stamina and brawn.
THIAGAN MATHIAPARANAM
Klang
