KUANTAN: National 400m record holder Umar Osman is back on track after being sidelined for seven months following a groin injury.
Umar, who set a new national record of 46.09s during the World University Games last year, said he intends to take one step at a time after clocking 46.27 to win the men's 400m gold medal at the Malaysian Open at Darulmakmur Stadium today.
Khalil Helmi came in second after clocking 47.60, while Luqmanul Hakim Khairul Akmal (47.92) won the bronze.
"I am slowly regaining my form after the seven-month break due to an injury. I clocked 46.83 in the semi-finals here and 46.27 in the final.
"I do not want to be too ambitious to break the national record and risk myself to a potential recurring injury. I hope to maintain my timing around 46 seconds for now.
"I hope to win gold and maintain my timing at the Asean University Games in Surabaya (Indonesia) next month.
"It is my goal to be consistent in the next few meets before aiming to break the national record again," he said after his victory in Kuantan.
The Phnom Penh Sea Games champion also plans to train in the United States soon.
Umar said he will sit for an English-entry exam to join Auburn State University in Alabama.
" I will do so after the Asian University Games next month."