PETALING JAYA: National middle-distance athlete Umar Osman (pic) is relishing the growing competition around him, crediting it as a key factor in his recent progress.

The 22-year-old 400m runner from Johor now trains alongside 800m specialist Wan Fazri Wan Mohd Zahari at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil, and believes the daily rivalry has elevated his performance.