Watson Nyambek
MIRI: New national 100 metres record holder Badrul Hisyam Manap has the potential to emerge as a formidable sprinter at the world level if given the chance to train and compete overseas.
Sarawak’s former national sprinter Watson Nyambek said the 18-year-old Badrul was extraordinary for his age.
Watson held the previous national record of 10.30s which was erased by the Melaka-born teenager with a run of 10.29s at the ongoing ASEAN School Games in Bandar Seri Begawan on Monday.
“I congratulate him for creating a new 100m national record.
“He can go far and I believe he can run in a world class time of below 10.00s to match Olympic or world record holders, with proper training,” he told Bernama here yesterday.
Watson, who set his national sprint record in 1998, said Badrol needs proper training, better supplements for his body and coaches who understand the science of sprinting.
The 39-year old Watson said Badrul’s achievement would be a big boost for athletics, especially in next year’s Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be held in Sarawak.
“His achievement will attract crowds as well as provide a challenge to all young and upcoming athletes in the country,” he said.
Watson recalled that he met Badrul for the first time in Sibu in September at a local athletics meet and was amazed by Badrol’s humble attitude.
Meanwhile, the Sarawakian, who is now coaching young athletes in the Flying Dayak Club that he set up in September, pleaded to the state government to give more recognition to Sarawak-born athletes who had excelled in sports at the national and international level.
“Even I was not given recognition by the state government after I retired, I am disappointed until today,” he said.
He said if the trend continues, then sports in the state will not be fully developed with the state government refusing to take care of the welfare of athletes and former athletes. — Bernama