Russel out to get past Lalu in blue-riband event at home.

Indonesian speedster the one for Russel to chase at Malaysian GP

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-born sprinter Russel Nasir Taib (pic) can’t wait to get on the starting block against Indonesian speedster Lalu Muhammad Zohri in the two-day Malaysian Grand Prix athletics meet which begins today at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Brisbane-based Russel, who turns 21 on April 5, is in peak form following his record-breaking feat in the 200m last week where he set a new national time of 20.77 at the Queensland Track Classic in Brisbane.

The 18-year-old Lalu won the 100m gold medal at the World Junior Championships in Finland last year by clocking a personal best of 10.18 to bag Indonesia’s first-ever gold medal in the World Juniors.

Russel, whose personal best in the blue-riband event is 10.49, hopes to register a good time at the Malaysian GP to surpass the SEA Games qualifying mark of 10.43. His 200m winning time of 20.77 is better than the Games’ qualifying time of 21.22.

“I have good speed and acceleration but my technique off the starting block in the 100m is a bit slow. I’m working on it. The 200m event suits me better as I have the ability to accelerate halfway through the race.

“But I’m optimistic about improving my time in the 100m as I will compete in two sprint events in two days (100m today and 200m on Sunday),” said Russel.

In the Queensland Track Classic, Russel ran two sprint events in the space of just an hour and yet he managed to break the 200m national record.

Russel added that he is raring to go up against Indonesia’s Lalu.

“It will be interesting to compete against him as he has a personal best of 10.18 and is the best sprinter in the region,” said Russel.

Russel also hopes to register a good time in the 200m of the Malaysian GP.

“My ultimate goal is to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 200m although the qualifying time is 20.24, which is a tough mark to beat. I have until end of June next year to beat the mark.

“I will continue to train hard and compete in as many meets as possible to achieve my dream,” said Russel, who is pursuing a degree in sports psychology at the Sunshine Coast University.

He added that he will be looking forward to running in front of the home fans at the National Stadium.

“It will be really great if I can perform well for the fans’ sake,” said Russel, who has been selected to feature in the Asian Championships in Doha, Qatar, from April 21-24.