Irfan says life 'not always sunshine and rainbows' after Asiad setback

NAGOYA: National discus thrower Irfan Shamsuddin has vowed to bounce back after missing out on a medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games yesterday.

Irfan, 31, finished 10th with a best throw of 56.37 metres, failing to make the top eight and earn three more attempts.

The mark was well short of his national record of 62.87m.

China's Abuduaini Tuergong won gold with 64.26m, ahead of compatriot Wu Nanjun (61.58m) and Iran's Sadegh Samimishalamzari (60.32m).

"I won't give up. I need to sit down, reset and do what needs to be done. There is still room for improvement," Irfan said after the event.

"Next year, we have the Asian Championships, where many of the same athletes will compete, as well as the SEA Games. I'll try to do my best."

Irfan said he was disappointed because his preparations had gone well, but he could not produce his best throw when it mattered.

"I tried my hardest. Everything felt fine, but when I pushed, the discus just didn't go. I don't want to use that as an excuse because I tried and I fought.

"This is part of an athlete's journey. There are highs and lows."

Irfan said age would not stop him competing at the highest level, although recovery now took more effort than it did when he was younger.

He cited track cycling star Datuk Azizulhasni Awang as an example of an athlete who has remained competitive through commitment and discipline.

"If Azizulhasni can do it, so can we. You can't predict what will happen in sport, but I know I will work hard every day," he said.

"I love this sport and I enjoy the journey. It isn't always sunshine and rainbows, but there is always room to improve."

Irfan will turn his attention to next year's Asian Championships in China and his bid for an eighth consecutive SEA Games discus gold next year.