Gold medallist hurdler Rayzam gets hero’s welcome
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s SEA Games gold medallist hurdler Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian sees himself competing at the highest level for another six years before finally hanging up his spikes.
The remark all but ended the speculation of the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games hero’s future, who admitted to have toyed with the idea of retiring from the athletics arena previously.
And now the 29-year-old is all focussed on new challenges namely at the Commonwealth Games 2018, Asian Games 2018, SEA Games 2019 and to win a place in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Rayzam revealed the decision to put on hold his retirement plan was made after a remarkable year where he set a new national record in the 110m hurdles before continuing his fine form by winning the gold in his pet event at the ongoing SEA Games.
The Keningau lad clocked 13.67s at the Kurpfalz Gala competition in Germany in May to smash the 23year-old national record previously held by Nur Herman Majid.
It was a timely boost for Rayzam as he clocked 13.83s to win the SEA Games gold after first achieving the feat as an unheralded 19-year-old 10 years ago.
The victory was also achieved in style as he defeated his Thai nemesis Jamras Rittidet who had won the last three SEA Games gold with Rayzam winning silver on each occasion.
“I’m going to run at the highest level until I’m 35 years old...that is the plan for now.
“It was a tough decision because I have thought about stopping running completely due to several reasons including people saying I was finished or I was past my best.
“But, this year I broke the national record and won the SEA Games gold after a 10-year wait... I’m determined and motivated and I will continue (in the sport),” said the elite athlete.
Rayzam said this when met upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal I, where he received a hero’s welcome with his wife Eryana, 29, and daughter Rayyana Arya, 7, also present.
Sabah UMNO Youth Movement chief Hafez Yamani Musa, Youth and Sports Ministry permanent secretary Haji Awang Damit Haji Awang Anak, Sabah Sports Council director Terrance Pudin, Sabah Sports Board general manager Penyuki Matta and Sabah Athletics Association president Mohamat Hassan were also among the crowd.
“I have qualified for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year and of course I will compete at the Manila SEA Games in 2019 and try to defend the title.
“These are among my targets while I am also eyeing to qualify for the Olympics (2020 in Tokyo) and the World Championships,” he said.
Having said that, Rayzam also expressed his hope to help produce athletes that can compete at the top level, including finding a successor to his crown from among the local talents.
He urged the Sabah Athletics Association to organise more programmes especially competitions to ensure these athletes are identified and groomed.
“We have the Schools Sports Council meets at state and national level early in the year but after that there are very few athletic meets.
“I hope the association can organise meets especially in the second half of the year and if possible every week or twice monthly,” he said.
Meanwhile, Hafez hailed the never-say-die attitude of Rayzam in his pursuit of returning to familiar territory in the SEA Games.
“He first won the gold 10 years ago and it was a long wait. He finally won it by improving himself and we are very happy for him.
“I hope the younger athletes will make him as a role model to strive their best and try to reach the heights that Razyam achieved,” said Hafez.