KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Athletics Federation (MAF) technical director Robert Ballard was not disheartened, despite some questioning his role in accompanying national sprinter Muhammad Azeem Fahmi, set to compete in the opening of the Paris Olympics this Friday.
Ballard welcomes all questions and criticisms, yet he affirms his understanding of Azeem’s needs as he prepares for his debut at the world’s largest sporting event.
This marks Ballard’s fourth Olympic assignment, starting with his debut as a quartet athlete in the 1988 Seoul Games, where he helped Australia advance to the final in the 4x400m relay.
He later served as a sprint coach for Indonesia, guiding Southeast Asia’s fastest man at the time, Suryo Agung Wibowo, during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Moreover, Ballard has also worked as a fitness coach for the Indian tennis team and assisted world number one doubles player Sania Mirza in preparing for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
“Maybe some people would not understand all the experience I bring to Malaysia. I can appreciate the concern from fellow citizens, but it’s important to note that MAF has thoroughly considered all aspects.
“I didn’t stand with all the exco members when they voted; I pulled myself out of it and didn’t want to be part of any discussion or decision made.
“Azeem is a young athlete, and I was 24 when competing at the Olympics. I can say that being in my 20s was a profound experience. During that time, I looked at Carl Lewis and thought, ‘Oh my God, why am I on the same track as him?'”
“But then I like to impart this experience to these athletes, to assure them they deserve to be there just like anyone else. Additionally, my expertise in athletics lies in sprinting, and I have been in touch with Ken (Harnden) to discuss implementing Azeem’s programme and incorporating it into his training here in Malaysia.
“People can express themselves; I am here to do my job, as directed, and I will do so to the best of my abilities to ensure Azeem has the best opportunity to perform at the highest level,” said Ballard.
Perak Sports Association president and former president of MAF, Datuk Karim Ibrahim, had previously questioned the federation’s decision to send Ballard rather than his former coach, Muhammad Amir Izwan Tan Abdullah, to Paris with Azeem.
Azeem was granted a wildcard slot, now known as a universal slot, to compete in the 100m event.
He is determined to achieve his personal best of 10.09 seconds, a national record set during the Under-20 World Championships in Cali, Colombia, two years ago. – July 24, 2024