Shereen’s parents Samson (third from right) and Josephine (left). — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
SHEREEN Samson Vallabouy came to Cambodia with a huge weight on her shoulders. And she unloaded it in style when she fulfilled her dreams of becoming a SEA Games champion, just like her famous parents.
Shereen nailed the women’s 400m gold at the Morodok Techo National Stadium yesterday, leaving the second placed runner more than half a second behind her.
The pressure had been tremendous on her since she broke the late Rabia Abdul Salam’s national mark of 52.56s by clocking 51.80 in the United States last month.
The expectations were sky high that she would deliver the gold last won by N. Manimagalay in 1999.
With multiple SEA Games gold medallists Samson Vallabouy (800m) and Josephine Mary (400m) as parents, the burden on her shoulder was indeed very heavy.
However, Shereen who first took part in the SEA Games in 2015 at the age of 17, ran a perfect race the start to finish to clock 52.53, ahead of Vietnam rivals Nguyen Thi Huyen (53.27s) and Nguyen Thi Hang (53.84s).
Proud parents Samson and Josephine, as well her sister Jocelyn, were at the stands to cheer her on.
“I have been working so hard to be the best 400m runner in the country, breaking Rabia and my mum’s record as well. She (Josephine) was happy and proud of me. I’m grateful that I got to continue my family legacy,” said Shereen.
“I am thankful for my family’s sacrifices and also for their presence here. It is really a great moment.
“I feel grateful to be able to get through the training, coming to Malaysia and adapting to the changes in weather. I’m really happy about how I executed the race today.
“I have been feeling stronger during training with my endurance work and I could move faster and maintain that pace (until the end). There is always pressure but talking to my parents - they have been former athletes – has always helped.”
Josephine, meanwhile, was overjoyed to see her daughter become a SEA Games champion just like her.
“We are so happy to see her win the gold. The gold is what the nation wants and I believe it will reduce the pressure on her and she will continue to become better.
“I told her not to be over-confident but run a well judged race. I am happy she did that.
“My husband has won three SEA Games golds and I have won four. Now, we have a total of eight. I am glad it runs in the family.”
Samson too praised his daughter’s achievement but he also wanted to see his SEA Games 800m record of 1:48.29, which he set in Kuala Lumpur 1989, fall.
“I am so proud to see Shereen win the SEA Games gold but I am also here for another mission,” he said.
“My record has stood for the 24 years and I hope to see someone breaking it.”
Samson’ challenge will hopefully inspire two young Malaysians – S. Maheswaran and Wan Mohd Farzy Wan Zahari – who will be competing in the heats today.
The 800m final will be held tomorrow.
