A DAY before the 100m heats, Mohd Azeem Fahmi was going through his pace, with a popular song “Rumah Kita” by Indie rock band Hujan blaring in his earphones.
The song talks about fighting, and defending one’s home. And Azeem was pumped up.
Two days later, he was jumping for joy – literally – his hands almost hitting the ceiling of the mixed zone at the Olympic Centre Stadium in Hangzhou.He had won the bronze medal in the blue riband men’s 100m sprint and was jubilant.
“This is just the start,” he said. You can bet your last yuan that it is.
Azeem is obviously poised for greater things.
He is just 19 and, already, he is gushing with confidence. When I was 19, I did not even know what minor to do in my journalism course. But Azeem has his targets charted out – medals and the sub 10s run remain top of the list.
All else is secondary.
He was asked about the allowance he was getting from the National Sports Council (NSC) and he hit the right spot with his answer.
“It may not be high but for me to increase that, I need to win a medal. I may have the national record but I have not won an international medal. It is time to end that and yes, work for a better allowance.”
He kept his word and delivered the medal.
The speed phenom, known as “Ateh” to his loved ones, produced a sensational run of 10.11s, just 0.02s away from his national record. Even before the race, he was all smiles, pointing his fingers to his head – to show he had it in the right place – and then saluting the cameras.
On the lane, he was a picture of concentration. And when the scoreboard showed his name third, Azeem knew he had broken a 41-year wait for the 100m medal.
Now, he is already telling himself to push himself further and become the first South-East Asian to go under 10s. He has a regional rival to push him. Thailand’s Puripol Boonson finished second on 10.02s.
With the two at each other’s heels, we can expect some explosive races.
Azeem also reeks of confidence. Since he broke into the scene, he has shown some bravado, which some call arrogance, even petulance.
But he is a leader, and a humble person too.
After the 4x100m relay final, Azeem immediately apologised for not breaking the national record. When it was announced that the quartet had been disqualified, he stepped forward to address the media.
That leadership quality puts him in the same ranks of “The Pocket Rocketman” Datuk Azizulhasni Awang, squash queen Datuk Nicol David and badminton legend Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
He now aims to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. At the same time, he looks to keep his folks happy by getting good grades at Auburn University.
It’s that wholesomeness that makes Azeem special.
And the Asian Games like he said, is just the start. Bigger things await, like the Olympics and the sub 10s run.
Like the song says, Azeem will certainly fight for his homeland.
