Royson making steady progress since training under Kenyan coach
KUALA LUMPUR: National middle distance runner Royson Vincent has made a steady progress since training under Kenyan coach Samuel Kipsang Rono five months ago.
And the Negri Sembilan runner, who won bronze in men’s 800m with a personal best 1:50.76 at the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games last month, hopes to further improve his time in the Armed Forces Athletics Championships in Lumut from Oct 12-14.
The 21-year-old Royson said that he has improved on his personal best by more than four seconds in the last five months.
“It’s fantastic that I’ve made such an improvement in a short period of time. I believe I can dip below 1:50.00 next year if I continue to train under the Kenyan,” said Royson, who is glad that Rono has pushed him to the limit in training.
“Samuel is an experienced coach and he has helped me improve my stamina and endurance. Samuel says that the last 200m is crucial for middle-distance athletes as that’s when we are to sprint to the finish line.
“I’m more confident during competitions now.”
Royson began training under Samuel in March. His personal best then was 1:59.80, which he achieved at the Armed Forces meet last year.
After just a month, Royson clocked 1:55.03 at the Selangor Open Championships.
In the Thailand Open in May, he dipped even lower – clocking 1:53.39 in the heats.
In July, Royson went on to better the mark in the Malaysian Open at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil – clocking 1:51.24 in the final to win silver.
Then came his feat at the KL Games.
“It would great if I can improve my time for the fifth time in Lumut,” said Royson.