Sprint Coach Harun Rasheed Says Goodbye Athletics

Malaysian renowned sprint coach Harun Rasheed announced his resignation as track and field coach after dedicated his time and effort toward the development of Malaysian track and field for at least three-decade long.

It was explained that he decided to resign to enable him spending more time with family and concentrating on business. He unofficially informed MAAU (now MAU) about retirement after poor performances achieved by his sprinters during 2011 SEA Games.

Back in 1970's he was a successful sprinter, having won medals several times in Malaysia open (MAAU) at 200m and 400m and was part of the 4x400m national team that finished 4th at the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok. But the most important and memorable moments in his career as an athlete could be when his 4x400m team became the champion at two editions of SEAP / SEA Games (1973 & 1977).

Harun whose best time is 48.7s in the 400m set in 1978 at Jakarta and repeated in Singapore, started coach track and field in early 1980's. He has produced numerous of national record breakers, SEA Games champions and Asian continental's top athletes. Seven out of ten fastest Malaysian female sprinters were among the athletes who trained with him.

Although his sprinters had failed to win individual medal in last year SEA Games, his final-year assignment (2011) as a national sprint coach was considered very successful. Under his guidance, both Malaysian male and female sprinters, Mohd Noor Imran A.Hadi (10.40s) and Norjannah Hafiszah Jamaludin (11.60s) became the fastest in Southeast Asia during 2011 athletics season.

The 57-year-old Kedahan born served as chief coach of national athletics for two years since January 2010.

news by AdrianSprints.com