KUALA LUMPUR: Track queen Shereen Samson Vallabouy is celebrating Christmas today (Dec 25) with her family but stays firmly focused on chasing her ambitious goals for the coming year.
The 26-year-old is gearing up for a busy year ahead, with major events including the Asian Championships in South Korea (May 27-31), where she aims to secure medals, and the Thailand Sea Games (Dec 9-20), where she hopes to defend her 400m title. She also has her sights set on the World Championships in Japan (Sept 13-21), where she must clock an impressive 50.75s to qualify in the women's 400m.
Shereen currently holds the national record of 51.79s, set in Nashville, Tennessee, in June this year.
"I am determined to achieve my targets next year and will train hard," said Shereen, who bagged a gold in the 400m and a bronze in the 4x100m at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year.
After returning from the United States last month, Shereen has been based in KL, training under Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) technical director John Ballard in Bukit Jalil.
Her government-sponsored grant ended in July, and she is currently awaiting funding approval from the Youth and Sports Ministry to resume training in Florida under American coach Derrick White.
"I am hopeful for financial support to continue my training in Florida," she said.
Shereen, the daughter of former national athletes Samson Vallabouy and Josephine Mary, joined her family for a meaningful Christmas celebration.
"Our celebration started yesterday with a church service," Shereen said.
"We then gathered at my grandmother's house to celebrate, exchange gifts and reflect on the blessings we've received from God.
"I am deeply grateful for the support that has shaped me into who I am today."
Shereen also thanked Malaysian businessman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, who partially funded her studies and training programme in the US.
"He has played a big role in my athletics career, and I am truly thankful," she said.
"I am determined to make further breakthroughs in the sport."