A Sarawakian girl who ran barefoot at the Malaysian School Sports Council (MSSM) 2022 National Cross Country Championship won first place for the Girls U12 category.
The competition was held in Setiu, Terengganu last Saturday (August 6th), hosted by SMK Bukit Nenas.
Photo via The Borneo Post
12-year-old Shakira Onie Henry from SK Ulu Entabai in Sarikei, Sarawak won her division with a gun time of 1:16:02 and a running pace of 4:00, beating runner-up Nur Fara Syuhada Mat Razali from Terengganu who recorded a time of 0:16:13 and a pace of 4:00.
According to the Borneo Post, Shakira’s teacher and coach Afdal Shyarmeezan said he had high hopes for Shakira to do well in the championship as she was the champion in many of the competitions she participated in.
“She has been training hard and I know that because I have been training her since she was nine.
“It has always been my passion to see kids from the rural areas like Shakira excel in sports, too,” he added.
Photo via The Borneo Post
Commenting on why Shakira participated barefoot, her coach said it was her own choice despite having a pair of running shoes ready to be used for the competition.
Impressive! Congratulations Shakira, and keep up the good work!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
