Azeem matches national 10.09s record

Muhammad Azeem Fahmi has once again reached the coveted 10.09-second mark in the 100 meters, matching his own national record at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship qualifiers held in Kentucky, USA. The 22-year-old athlete delivered a compelling performance, finishing third in his heat after an aggressive start from the blocks.

This season's best time not only solidifies Azeem's status but also makes him the first Malaysian athlete to qualify for the NCAA individual 100m grand final, scheduled to take place in Oregon this June. His resurgence marks a significant moment, closing a nearly four-year gap since he first set the national record in Cali, Colombia, in 2022. Azeem expressed his elation on social media, noting, "1,396 days later, Alhamdulillah."

While Azeem has come close to breaking his record multiple times, including a 10.08s run earlier this month that was invalidated due to excessive wind assistance, this official 10.09s run is a crucial validation. He previously clocked an impressive 10.01s in North Carolina last May, but that was also disqualified for wind readings exceeding the legal limit. The momentum Azeem is currently demonstrating arrives at an opportune time as the national athletics team gears up for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled for September.

Adding to the excitement at the Kentucky event, Azeem's Auburn University teammate, Kanyinsola Ajayi, achieved a remarkable 9.84s in his heat. Additionally, four other Auburn runners advanced to the NCAA Grand Final, showcasing the team's strong performance.