Umar Osman Smashes 22-Year-Old Record While Bagging Men's 400M Gold In SEA Games Debut
"This is my first appearance at the SEA Games and it is just amazing to actually win it and also break the national record," he said.
By Parvinsivam Thirunamakarasu — 10 May 2023, 10:57 AM
Yesterday, 9 May, 20-year-old Umar Osman marked his Southeast Asian (SEA) Games debut by clinching a gold medal in the men's 400m sprint event and breaking a 22-year-long national record
According to Bernama, his finishing time of 46.34s erased the previous national record of 46.41s, set by Mohd Zaiful Zainal Abidin at the Asian Junior Championships in Brunei in July 2001.
Filipino runners Umajesty Wesley Lachicha Williams and Frederick Cabatu Ramirez claimed the silver and bronze medals in the men's 400m sprint event, with times of 46.52s and 46.63s respectively.
New Straits Times reported that as an underdog in the event, Umar was determined to make an impact.
"I gave it everything I had to win the gold. This is my first appearance at the SEA Games and it is just amazing to actually win it and also break the national record," he was quoted saying.
The Johor-born dedicated his victory to his family, friends, and coach, Simon Lau Chin Meng, for their never-ending support and motivation
He told Bernama that prior to beginning his training, he was in a dilemma due to his studies.
"I decided to drop out of Form Six because my results were not good before deciding to join a polytechnic instead," said Umar, who is currently studying in Politeknik Ibrahim Sultan, Pasir Gudang.
He also shared there were many times where he felt "punctured" and could not even get up throughout his journey.
Umar will be competing again in the 4x400m relay event on Friday, 12 May.
