ATHLETICS Roslinda calls it a day

FORMER Asian champion pole vaulter unearthing young talent. Roslinda Samsu has called time on "This sport has given me so much her athletic career to pursue a new and competing at the Olympics was chapter in her life though she will not one of my best experiences. I also be leaving the sport entirely. have fond memories of winning an Roslinda, 30, notified the Malaysian silver medal and four Athletic Union (MAU)of her intention Sea Games gold medals," said to focus on a teaching and coaching Roslinda, who also won the Asian career and leave behind a sport which Track and Field (ATF)Championship she has much to thank. title in , Jordan in 2007, albeit Her maiden Olympic appearance in against a weak field. in 2008 ranks as one of the Roslinda, who still holds the na• highlights of her career alongside tional record of 4.40m set in 2006, winning silver at the 2006 Asian also claimed an ATF bronze in 200S Games and four consecutive Sea and narrowly missed out on a medal Games gold medals. at the 2006 Common• "It's not a decision I've made lightly wealth Games, finishing fourth on as I've thought hard about it ever countback. since my last competition in July last Her retirement will come as a major year," said Kedah-born Roslinda yes• blow to MAU's hopes of winning nine terday. gold medals at the Myanmar Sea "I have finally finished my studies Games as without Roslinda, they can which had been interrupted for a long kiss the pole vault gold medal good• while due to training and compet• bye. itioD. I think it is only fair that I give "My body has said enough though my notice now rather than start train• my heart wants me to go on. But I have ing and then only to suddenly stop to listen to what my body is telling me after receiving my posting." and I don't think I can go on," added Roslinda, who graduated from Uni• Roslinda in ruling out a swansong versiti Putra Malaysia with a degree in fifth Sea Games gold medal in My• physical education last October, will anmar. be attached to the Education Ministry One of the few athletes who dared to and is awaiting her next posting. challenge MAU during the troubled "I don't know yet where I will be but reign of president Datuk Seri Shahid• I won't be abandoning athletics. I will an Kassim and a frequent torch-bear• be coaching young athletes wherever I er for Malaysian athletics, Roslinda's am posted and hope to contribute to presence on the track and field will be Roslinda Samsu wants to focus on teaching and coaching. developing the sport in the country by greatly missed. By Devinder Singh