An excellent high five but Irfan far from pleased

A FIFTH consecutive gold medal would have marked an excellent outing for any athlete but not for Mohd Irfan Shamsuddin (pic).

The discus thrower bemoaned the fact that he could not break the 60-metre mark in the final at the Hanoi Games.

The 26-year-old, whose personal best of 62.55m is also the national record, said he is not happy with his winning throw of 58.26m.

Irfan revealed that he had promised coach Fero Petrovi that he would surpass 60m yesterday.

He can, however, take pride in extending his winning streak since the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games.

His effort in Hanoi was better compared to the last Games in Manila when he won with a 57.29m throw.

“It’s been a tough journey for me this year. I travel to Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur very often as my coach is there and it is easier for me in Sarawak as the facilities are all available.

“I thought I could achieve my target as I have been consistently throwing over 60m in training but here I just could not do it. It is a reminder that I need to improve further.

“In sports, nothing is for sure. But I am just happy to retain the gold for the country. I will work harder for other upcoming competitions,” added Irfan.

Thailand’s Kiapradid Srisai won the silver with 51.18m while the Philippines’ William Morrison III took bronze (50.44).

Irfan will now shift his attention to the Birmingham Commonwealth Games from July 28 to Aug 8.

“I will be going to Europe on May 20 to participate in some events. This is to prepare for the Games. As for the SEA Games, I look forward to the Cambodia edition.

“The plan? Obviously, I want to retain the gold medal but with a much better effort!”

Only two athletes have won golds in six Games in a row – javelin thrower Nashatar Singh and 110m hurdler Nur Herman Majid.

High jumper Loo Kum Zee has also managed five in a row.