Brave Sabah's Sprinters

Jad Adrian 2nd from right with the Australian
cup champion, Matt Davies at his left

The men's 100m Ist round of the 88th Australian Open Athletics Championship ran last night (16th April 2010) was probably the best I've seen of our two Sabah boys who as underdogs ran bravely against a world class field of Australians, naturalised australian from Nigeria Anthony Alozie and a lone Japanese Sakuma Kato.

The boys were never afraid and were enjoying every minute of their involvement in this championship knowing very well that they intend to run fast times against fast guys on the new Western Australia Athletics Stadium at Mount Claremont, a suburb outside Perth.

Although the times of Jad Adrian Washif (11.06s) and Eddie Edward Jr. (11.01s) season best, may not seem so attractive, thay are indeed run under very difficult conditions especially the weather which was 16 degrees celcius and rather cold. "I did not sweat during the warm up but I know this competition is very good for me" said Eddie and more like this is what I want he added.

According to Jad Adrian who ran 10.89s this year, "running against world class guys will help me to perform better when I compete in the Asian Universities Games later this year". We learn so much, we are still young and Australia is a place to compete".

Being brave enough to run against fast world class guys is not the only thing but they are also brave enough to come here with little funds, staying at Backpackers lodge in Northbridge, North Perth and eating protein bars to gain strength. One setback for our Asian athletes is the problem of poverty and lack of support from the authorities. But the "GO FOR GOLD" motto in this year's SUKMA is something that I want said Eddie.

This year's Australian athletics championship is also a selection trials for Australian athletes who wish to qualify for Delhi 2010, the Commonwealth Games in the Indian capital.

SABAH'S BORNEO POST

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