PHNOM PENH: National runner Shereen Samson Vallabouy is all smiles after ending Malaysia's 24-year wait for a gold medal in the women's 400m event today.
The favourite for gold, Shereen hit the line in 52.53 seconds to claim a comfortable win, finishing almost a second ahead of her rivals at the Morodok Techo Stadium.
Vietnam duo Nguyen Thi Huyen (53.27s) and Nguyen Thi Hang (53.84s) settled for second and third place, respectively.
Shereen is the first Malaysian woman to win the 400m gold since N. Manimagalay at the 1999 Brunei games.
Based in the United States, Shereen has been in fine form in collegiate competitions this season.
The 24-year-old admitted that the long flight from the US and the hot weather in Cambodia made it tough for her.
She is, however, grateful to achieve what has been a long-term ambition.
"I have been working hard to win the 400m gold since I first competed at the Sea Games in 2015. This makes it (hard work) all worthwhile," said Shereen.
"The training I have undergone in the US has also helped me improve, especially in terms of technique.
"There is not much more I can say, I just wanted to give it my best. I also have to thank my family for their support."
She is the daughter of former national athletes Samson Vallabouy and Josephine Mary.
Shereen had last month clocked 51.80s at a meet in California to break the long-standing former national record (52.56s) in the 400m event which the late Rabia Abdul Salam had set during the 1993 Asian Championships in Manila.