KUALA LUMPUR: Expectations for Shereen Samson Vallabouy in next year's competitions are set to soar following her impressive debut at the Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Securing two bronze medals in the women's 400m and 4x100m events in Hangzhou, Shereen is now gearing up for the 2024 season with her sights firmly set on qualifying for the Paris Olympics, alongside her ambitious goal of breaking four national records (in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m).
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old athlete faces the challenge of surpassing her current national record of 51.80 to secure a place in the Olympic 400m event, as the qualifying standard stands at 50.95.
This Florida-based runner must meet or exceed this mark by June, an objective that her coach, Derrick White, remains confident she can achieve.
"Shereen will compete indoors from January to March due to the winter season in the United States," said White.
"Her Olympic quest will officially begin with outdoor meets from April. While I can't provide an exact number of competitions she will participate in next year, I will train her until she reaches peak performance for the entire season.
"I started working with Shereen in late Dec 2022 during her college years, and she has made significant progress.
"We are also diligently monitoring her diet and nutrition, ensuring she gets sufficient rest. She is training at the level of a professional athlete."
Despite encountering a hamstring injury just two weeks before the Asian Games, Shereen delivered an outstanding performance, clocking 52.58 to secure a bronze medal in the women's 400m, and anchoring the 4x100m quartet to a time of 45.01, securing her second bronze medal.
The season for Shereen is over, and she will return to Florida next month to resume training.
"I am very pleased with Shereen's performance in Hangzhou.
"She came into the Asian Games carrying a hamstring injury and still gave her 100 per cent although she was not able to train with more speed," said White, who was in Hangzhou with Shereen.
The 25-year-old Shereen had a remarkable 2023 season, setting new national records in the 400m (indoor — 51.80), 400m (indoor — 52.27), and 200m (outdoor — 23.33).
She also claimed the 400m gold at the Phnom Penh Sea Games in May with a time of 52.53.
White also revealed that he has set a goal for Shereen to break the national records in the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m events next year.
While Shereen currently holds the national records in the 200m and 400m, the 100m record is held by G. Shanti, who clocked 11.50 in 1993, while the 800m national mark of 2:07.44 is held by Shereen's mother, Josephine Mary, who achieved it at the 1986 Seoul Asian Games.
"She is a dedicated athlete, and I am confident that she will achieve these goals.
"She will commence rigorous training sessions next month, which will be a new experience for her," White added.