Speaking to the media after the race, he promised to come back stronger and qualify on merit for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, Bernama reported. He had taken part in the Paris event as a wildcard entry.

Azeem was clearly disappointed with the result and could not make eye contact with Malaysian media members. He said “there was a slight slip” during his Round 1 race, in which he finished last of eight participants.

“It’s not the result I wanted, but I tried to give my best after a challenging season. Being on the Olympic stage is the biggest dream for all athletes. I am very grateful to be here and for the opportunity, but I am disappointed with myself for not being able to perform well,” said US-based Azeem.

“This is a challenging transition for me into adulthood … I never imagined reaching this far (the Olympics) and also faltering. But I see it as a good lesson in my life because there is still a long way for me to go as an athlete,” the 20-year-old sprinter said.

Azeem entered the record books by winning the bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, last September, with a time of 10.11s. His success ended Malaysia’s four-decade wait for a podium finish since Rabuan Pit won gold at the 1982 Games in New Delhi.

In today’s preliminary heat, Azeem finished second to Gambia’s Ebrahima Camara with a time of 10.42s. He advanced to Round 1, but finished last among eight runners with a time of 10.45s, well below his national record of 10.09s set two years ago.

The world and Olympic records for the 100m sprint are held by Jamaican legend Usain Bolt, with times of 9.58s (August 2009 in Berlin) and 9.63s (August 2012 in London) respectively.