KUANTAN – Malaysia’s heptathlon queen, Norliyana Kamaruddin, made a surprising appearance at the Malaysia Open by opting out of her signature event and instead competing solely in shot put and javelin.
The SEA Games 2017 gold medalist explained that this tournament marked her return after a prolonged break following the Asian Games in Hangzhou last October, where she sustained a knee injury.
Following advice from her coach, Abdul Malik Tobias, Norliyana felt it was crucial to stay active during her recovery while ensuring her knee did not worsen.
Hence, she chose to temporarily focus on shot put and javelin.
“For me, the decision to focus on other events is not new. Previously, I have also concentrated solely on high jump, depending on the competition schedule and my physical condition.
“This time, I was not ready for the heptathlon and high jump due to my ongoing recovery. At least I’m not idling away; there’s something I can work on during this period.
“It has been stressful dealing with the injury, especially over the past six to seven months, but I’m managing it and trusting the recovery process,” said Norliyana to Scoop.
Her decision to concentrate on shot put and javelin at the Malaysia Open is unsurprising, as these events are integral parts of the heptathlon.
She placed seventh in javelin with a throw of 31.01m but excelled in shot put, where she achieved a commendable 11.55m to claim a bronze medal.
Nurrul Ainin Syauqina Azhar claimed the silver medal, while national record-holder Nani Syahirah Maryata set a new championship record of 14.99m for gold.
At the same time, the 33-year-old athlete remains uncertain about representing Malaysia in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
Having competed in five SEA Games, Norliyana set a national heptathlon record in 2017 Kuala Lumpur with 5,247 points.
In the 2019 Manila SEA Games, she won silver.
In 2021 Hanoi, she claimed bronze, breaking her own national record with a score of 5,262 points.
However, her performance declined in Phnom Penh last year, finishing fifth.
“I cannot say anything definitive yet because it is still a long way off, more than a year away (for 2025 SEA Games).
“I will decide everything after the Grand Final Super Series event in Sarawak, depending on my condition and the advice from my coach,” she added. – June 15, 2024