Shahidatun Only Manages To Equal Long Jump Record

KANGAR: Problems with her technique continued to plague Noor Shahidatun Nadia Mohd Zuki as she could only equal the long jump record at the National Schools Athletics Championships (MSSM) at Stadium Utama yesterday.

The 16-year-old Kedah girl managed 5.85m to equal the record set by Tg Monoliana Engku Hashim in 2006 after four of her six jumps were disqualified. Shahi­da­tun also had four of her six jumps disqualified in the triple jump on Tuesday.

Sabah’s Stefbilce Sandy Stephen (5.40m) was second with Johor’s Siti Munirah Mohd Issah (5.29m) third.

Tough luck: Noor Shahidatun Nadia Mohd Zuki of Kedah reacts after completing her long jump in the MSSM Championships at the Stadium Utama in Kangar yesterday. — ZHAFARAN NASIB / The Star

“I’m luckless again ... itt didn’t work out for me just like in the triple jump on Tuesday,” said the frustrated Shahidatun, who at least managed to break the MSSM triple jump record but failed to improve on her personal best.

“It was windy and it affected my jumps. I will now focus on my preparations for the Asian junior meet in Sri Lanka (from June 9-12).”

The third day of the MSSM was also marred by bad weather. Instead of the intense heat which affected the second day, this time a freak storm caused the 4x400m final to be delayed.

It was a disappointing third day as no records were broken – apart from Shahidatun equalling the Under-18 long jump mark.

The 100m race in the boys’ Under-18 category will be re-run today following protests over a false start on Wednesday. The MSSM technical committee opted for a re-run instead of disqualifying the winner due to a technical mistake.

Defending champions Sarawak continue to lead the medal tally after adding just one gold through Michael Sia Sung Dak’s 61.46m effort in the boys’ Open hammer. Sarawak now have a haul of 10-13-5.

Perak are second with 7-7-7 and Johor third on 6-6-4.