Ambitious Target Set For Shereen To Qualify For Paris Olympics

Shereen Samson Vallabouy, the national champion in the women’s 400m, holds the 92nd position globally and stands as the fourth-best performer in Asia. Her coach, Derrick White from the United States, has set an ambitious target for her, aspiring to see Shereen achieve a time below 51 seconds by the end of May in her pursuit of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.

The inspiring athlete from Perak, who currently holds the national record with a time of 51.80 seconds, must aim to complete the race in 50.95 seconds to secure a spot in the Olympics. Under White’s diligent guidance since June 2023 in Florida, Shereen has been undergoing focused and specialised training that emphasises a combination of speed and strength.

As reported in NST, the scheduling of Shereen’s initial competition for the season remains uncertain as it depends on her readiness. According to White, it is anticipated that Shereen will participate in two indoor meets and 10 outdoor competitions.

To secure Olympic qualification, Shereen, the bronze medalist at the Asian Games, must achieve a global ranking within the top 48 by the end of June. In the Asian rankings, she currently trails behind Salwa Eid Naser and Kemi Adekoya from Bahrain, as well as Sri Lanka’s Nadeesha Ramanayake.

Image Source Olympic Council of Malaysia

In 2023, Shereen Samson Vallabouy achieved exceptional milestones in her athletic career. Displaying unparalleled prowess, she not only shattered the national 400-metre record twice but also showcased her dominance on the international stage. In an impressive 52.53 seconds, Sherren secured a gold medal in the fiercely contested 400m event at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This victory not only underscored her individual brilliance but also brought pride to her nation.

Furthermore, Shereen’s success extended to the prestigious Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where she clinched the bronze medal in the fiercely competitive 400-metre final. Her stellar performance, marked by a noteworthy time of 52.58 seconds, exemplified her resilience and excellence on the global arena. The dual achievements of breaking national records and securing podium positions at major competitions in 2023 solidified Shereen’s status as a rising star in the realm of international athletics.