KUALA LUMPUR - National sprint sensation Muhammad Azeem Mohd Fahmi may have ended his collegiate career with Auburn University without a trophy, but he is walking away with something far more valuable, namely four years of growth, lessons and unforgettable memories.
The national 100 metre (m) record holder reflected on his journey in the United States after bringing the curtain down on his collegiate athletics career, describing it as a period that shaped him both on and off the track.
"No trophies for me in my last collegiate meet, but I am so proud to walk away with everything that I have done with this team.
"I can proudly say that I have the best teammates, the best coach, the best trainers, and the best team in the world,” he said in an Instagram post.
Last Friday, Muhammad Azeem and his Auburn University teammates failed to defend their National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championship title when the quartet was disqualified for a baton exchange error in the men’s 4x100-metre final.
Last Wednesday, the 22-year-old was in top form to guide Auburn University to clock an impressive time to break the men's 4x100m NCAA Division One record at the same competition.
The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games men’s 100m bronze medallist together with Kanyinsola Ajayi, Austin Kresley and Tyler Davis clocked 37.75 seconds (s) in the semi-final heats, thus breaking the college record previously held by LSU (Louisiana State University) of 37.90s in May 2023.
In the meantime, the Perak-born athlete admitted it was surreal to look back on how much he had evolved since joining the programme four years ago.
"Countless podium, records and achievements. College track has taught me how to win, how to lose, and how to be grateful for every single opportunity that I have,” he said.
Muhammad Azeem also paid tribute to the people who played key roles throughout his journey, particularly his teammates, family members and coaching staff.
With his collegiate chapter now complete, he is preparing for the next stage of his career as he sets his sights on bigger ambitions in the sport.
"I believe this is another step that I need to take in order for me to be a better athlete and person in the future. I know it's not going to be easy, but no risk, no reward. The best are still to come,” he said. - BERNAMA
TAGS: Muhammad Azeem Fahmi, Auburn University, United States, Hangzhou, Asian Games