Norshafiee feels like he’s on ‘21 Jump Street’ after golden ending
JOHOR’S Norshafiee M Mohd Shah was jumping in n joy on his 21st birthday aftera bowing out of his last Malaysia Games (Suk kma) on a high.
Norshafiee was outut of action for six months since November last year because of a knee injury but yesterday, he bounced back in style to defend the boys’ high jump gold medal by leaping to a height of 2.06m at the Perak Stadium.
Only eight athletes took part in the event and Sabah’s Mohamad Eizlan Dahalan cleared 2.03m to settle for silver while Amer Haiqal Ismail of Kedah took the bronze with 2.00m.
Norshafiee was grinning from ear to ear although the height he cleared was not his personal best.
His best was 2.15m recorded at the Perak Open Athletics championships at the same venue before his injury last year.
“It feels good to win gold as I only trained for four months,” said Norshafiee, who celebrated his birthday yesterday.
“With the gold today, I’ve collected a total of two golds and one bronze in three Sukma editions. I’m happy to end my last Games this way,” said Norshafiee.
Meanwhile, Muhd Aqil Yasmin of Selangor showed he’s a genuine contender for the blue riband event when he clocked the fastest time of 10.66 in the boys’ 100m semi-finals yesterday.
Muhd Haiqal Hanafi of Negri Sembilan clocked the second fastest time of 10.72 in the third semi-finals while Asian Junior Championships bronze medallist Muhd Zulfiqar Ismail of Terengganu was third with 10.82.
The 19-year-old Aqil, who has a personal best of 10.48, played down his chances in today’s sprint final.
“Sprinters like Zulfiqar and Haiqal are the favourites. They will surely be out to give a strong challenge. Hopefully, I can spring a surprise,” said Aqil.
Zulfiqar said he did not push himself in the semi-finals as he wanted to save his energy for the showdown.
“I want to be the sprint king – that’s my mission. The strong wind, however, may pose a problem for me to clock a good time,” said Zulfiqar.
Pint-sized Azreen Nabila Alias of Terengganu showed she is the favourite to win the girls’ blue riband event after clocking the fastest time of 12.19 in the 100m semi-finals.
Sabah’s Chelsea Cassiopea Evali Bopulas posted 12.23 and Sarawak’s Norris Foo clocked 12.53 and both are expected to give Azreen a run for her money.