National women’s 400m champion Shereen Samson Vallabouy is ranked 92nd in the world and fourth in Asia. - NSTP file pic
National women’s 400m champion Shereen Samson Vallabouy is ranked 92nd in the world and fourth in Asia. - NSTP file pic

KUALA LUMPUR: National women's 400m champion Shereen Samson Vallabouy is ranked 92nd in the world and fourth in Asia.

Shereen's American coach, Derrick White, wants to see her dip below 51 seconds by end of May in a bid to qualify for the Paris Olympics.

The Perak athlete, who holds the national record of 51.80s, needs to run 50.95s to qualify for the Olympics.

White, who has been training Shereen since last June in Florida, said: "She's going through special training, focusing on a combination of speed and strength.

"I'm not sure when her first competition will be this season; it will all depend on when she's ready.

"Shereen is expected to compete in two indoor meets and 10 outdoor competitions," said White.

Asian Games bronze medallist Shereen needs to be ranked in the world's top 48 by the end of June to qualify for the Olympics.

In Asia, she is ranked behind Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser and Kemi Adekoya and Sri Lanka's Nadeesha Ramanayake.

"The goal is to run sub-51 seconds before May," said White.