Malaysian PV Coach Hospitalized

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http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp? ... 88591&sec=


Another heart-attack scare for our contingent


PALEMBANG: The Malaysian contingent suffered yet another heart attack scare when pole vault coach Mohd Mansahar Abdul Jalil collapsed during breakfast at the Athletes’ Village yesterday morning.

The 51-year-old Mansahar, who has been coaching top woman pole vaulter Roslinda Samsu since the start of her career, clutched his chest in pain and fainted at 7.30am.

He was treated by the medical team at the Athletes’ Village and taken to a hospital for further treatment.

Team manager Rajemah Sheikh Ahmad said that Mansahar was in stable condition and could recover in time for the pole vault event, which starts on Tuesday.

“It was a real scare because Mansahar had some heart problems before but he seemed fine. He’s recovering well and it is good news for us,” said Rajemah.

This is the second heart attack case in the Malaysian contingent here.

On Wednesday, National Sports Council (NSC) officer Harun Osman died from a heart attack while waiting for the arrival of the athletics team at the Palembang airport. He was also 51.

Rajemah, however, insisted that the athletes were in high spirit and could yet achieve their six-gold target.

Roslinda, who continued to train yesterday morning despite her coach’s heart attack, heaved a huge sigh of relief after learning that Mansahar was in stable condition.

“I’m really glad that he is fine and I’m also grateful that my event only starts in three days’ time. This will give him more time to rest,” said Roslinda, who has been training under Mansahar since she was 16.

The 29-year-old Roslinda, who has won three consecutive gold medals at the Games, wants to win a fourth for her coach despite her indifferent form this year.

“I’ve only cleared 3.90m this year, which is not really good. I will need to clear at least 4.25m just to be on the safe side for the gold medal,” said Roslinda, who has a personal best of 4.40m and who also holds the Games record of 4.15m.

“It will not be easy because the vaulters from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia are very strong.

“But, as long as I’m mentally and physically ready, I can still win the gold.”