KUCHING: Sarawak could be looking at a potential successor to former national 100m sprint king Watson ‘Flying Dayak’ Nyambek in little-known Alvin Jostine.
The 20-year-old, who took part in the previous Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Sarawak Open, clocked a hand-timed 10.4secs at a Sukma trial at Sarawak Stadium here last Sunday (September 27).
He also won the 110m hurdles at the trial, and could enter both track events in next year’s Sukma hosted by Johor – something of a rarity for Sarawak sprinters in past Games.
His time translated electronically is roughly about 10.6secs, also the fastest time clocked by fellow Sarawakian Jonathan Nyepa in the 100m semi-finals at the Perlis Sukma years earlier.
However, it is the 110m hurdles that is Alvin’s pet event, having competed at the Penang MSSM meet, and which he has a better chance of winning a medal, even gold.
The previous Sarawakian to do so was Mohd Rizzua Hazard, at the 2016 Sarawak Sukma and 2018 Perak Sukma.
Alvin, a former SMK Petra Jaya student who dreams of going to the Olympics, said he was happy with his training under the guidance of former national 400m champion Noraseela Khalid.
“Training here (Kuching) under coach Noraseela, I think I have a chance of winning medals in both events (100m sprint and 110m hurdles) even though the 110m hurdles, which is more technical, is my favourite,” said the lad from Kuala Tutoh, Miri, who ranks world record holder and former sprint star Usain Bolt as his idol.
“So far I’ve not won any titles. I took part in the MSSM meet in Penang, missing out on a podium finishing, coming in at fourth, while I also competed in the SAAA Open.”
On his time at the recent trial, he said: “I’m happy (with the time) and I think I’m up for the challenge. Of course, competition will be stiff.”
