US-based runner Jie Yi Chen set to light up Sukma track

Kuala Lumpur: Rising star Jie Yi Chen, a 20-year-old United States-based athlete studying Integrated Sciences at Claremont McKenna College, is set to make a significant impact at this year's Malaysia Games athletics. The event kicks off on Sunday at the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Stadium in Serdang, with Yi Chen representing the Federal Territories.

Over the course of three consecutive days from August 18-20, the young runner will compete in three events: the 1500m, 5000m, and 10,000m. Earlier this year, Chen showcased her skills in the US, achieving a personal best of 4:38.46 in the 1500m, which earned her a sixth-place finish at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational. She also impressed with a time of 17:35.71 in the 5000m, placing her 10th at the Occidental Distance Classic.

In the Malaysian Open held at UPM Stadium in June, Johor's S. Geetha claimed the 1500m gold with a time of 5:07.41, while Tan Evelyn of Kedah secured the 5000m gold with a time of 19:46.32. In the men's and women's 100m and 200m events, Johor's Danish Iftikhar Roslee and Terengganu's Izzatul Musfirah Ahmad Kamal Azira are poised to be formidable opponents.

The 19-year-old Danish, who won bronze medals in both sprint events at the Thailand SEA Games last December, boasts a personal best of 10.18 in the 100m and holds the national 200m record of 20.73. In the upcoming races, Danish will face strong competition from athletes like Airiel Iskandar Rusli of Johor, who clocks a 10.34 in the 100m, Umaira Surbi of Kedah, Pengiran Aidil Auf Hajam of Sabah, and Armin Zahryl Abdul Latif of Terengganu.

Izzatul Musfirah, the 18-year-old from Johor, will also face tough challenges. With a personal best of 11.71 in the 100m and 24.24 in the 200m, she secured silver medals in both distances at the 2024 Sarawak Games. She has also claimed gold in the 4x400m event.