SHEREEN’S GAME FOR BLUE RIBAND EVENT IN PARIS IF 400M QUEST COMES TO NOUGHT

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's 400 metres (m) queen Shereen Samson Vallabouy is prepared to switch from her pet event to the 100m sprint if required to secure the country's sole athletics slot for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Although the 100m is not her usual event, Shereen is open to facing this challenge based on her experience competing in the United States, where she is pursuing her studies.

Previously, the Malaysian Athletics Federation (KOM) announced that the sole slot is only available for the 100m, 800m and marathon events.

"Yes, if I do not qualify (on merit) for the 400m based on rankings, it will definitely be either the 100m or 800m, but I think it leans more towards the 100m.

"I have good speed and have run in the 100m before and excelled in the 200m sprint. So, I see the possibility of doing it," she said when met at the National Sports Council (MSN) here today.

The national women's 400m record holder, with a time of 51.79 seconds, is set to compete in the Athletics Championships in Kazakhstan on June 23-24, which will be her final chance to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The 26-year-old from Perak is determined to continue striving for merit-based qualification in the 400m event, as previously targeted.

"For me, the championship in Kazakhstan is very important because it is my last opportunity to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

"I just want to do my best, even though there is a bit of pressure," she said.

Earlier, KOM confirmed that Shereen and Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi are on the list for the single slot to represent Malaysia at the world's biggest multi-sports event.

The KOM selection committee must submit the name of one of these athletes to the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) before July 8 if both athletes do not qualify on merit.

-- BERNAMA