KUCHING, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- National runner Umar Osman left his rivals trailing as he smashed the 32-year-old Malaysia Games (SUKMA) record en route to victory in the men’s 800-metre (m) race at the Sarawak Stadium here today.
The Johor runner was simply unstoppable as he breasted the tape in one minute and 51.19 seconds (s) for his fourth gold at SUKMA 20234.
His time also eclipsed the old mark of 1:52.35s set by G. Ampumani of Armed Forces in the 1992 edition in Johor.
On Wednesday (Aug 21), the 21-year-old Umar won his third gold medal of SUKMA 2024 by erasing the meet record en route to winning the 400m gold medal in 46.78s, thus defending the title he won at the 2022 edition in Kuala Lumpur.
Umar had earlier helped Johor win gold in the 4x400m mixed relay and the men’s 4x400m in Games record time.
“I am extremely grateful to have helped Johor get four gold medals and break three Games records.
“So, I am delighted with my performance. I went all out to help Johor improve its ranking in SUKMA and Johor athletics to be number one,” said Umar, who is making his final SUKMA appearance.
Meanwhile, in today’s 800m race, P. Risheraam of Federal Territories (FT) took silver in 1:55.31s while Pahang’s S. Sri Murugan settled for bronze in 1:55.46s.
There was double delight for Johor when S.Geetha powered her way to the women’s 800m gold in 2:20.41s, followed by Kelantan’s Nor Ainaa Balqis Hashim (2:22.21s) and Sabah’s Hizillawanty Jamain (2:22.54s).
-- BERNAMA
