Great jewels of their families

Late to walk, yet a fast runner

BENTONG: Mohamad Ridzuan has proven how special a child he is to his parents by winning the gold medal in the 100m sprint at the Rio Paralympics.

Mohamad Puzi Mat Isa, 56, said his son was very active as a kid despite being a late bloomer, learning to walk only when he was three.

“Parents should not feel embarrassed for having a special child. If they have a field that they are interested in, we need to give them our support and encouragement,” he said at his brother’s house in Felda Kampung Sertik here.

He added that Mohamad Ridzuan was influenced by his elder brother Mohd Shaiful, 30, who was also an active student.

Mohd Shaiful, an estate supervisor, said his younger brother would tag along with him when he played football back then.

“All my football friends told me he was a fast runner. I am very proud as a brother.

“None of us could believe that his talent in running would take him to where he is to­­day,” said Mohd Shaiful, adding that Mohamad Ridzuan had never complained about his training and was a happy-go-lucky person.

Mohamad Puzi said the family members were still shocked and trying to come to terms with the RM1mil incentive that Mohamad Ridzuan would receive.

He thanked Naza Corporation Holdings for rewarding his son with a residential suite and a Kia Sportage.

Mohamad Ridzuan was born healthy but had jaundice when he was six days old. He had a seizure that resulted in him suffering from cerebral palsy.

A champ from young: Rubber tapper Romly Mat, 63, and Salmah (second from right) showing some of Abdul Latifs trophies and medals with daughter Siti Aminah Romly, 29, and son Mohd Hafidz Romly, 27. 

Racing Boy takes a huge leap

KANGAR: Paralympian Abdul Latif Romly’s mother Salmah Yatim said her son loved speed and preferred to be called by his chosen nickname “Racing Boy”.

The 59-year-old considers her long-jumper gold medallist son a Jaguh Rempit.

“He likes everything fast and that worries me. He had a bike when he was young. When he is told not to do something, he will quietly leave the house on his motorcycle and go racing,” she said at their house in Kampung Paya Kelubi, Mukim Beseri, near here.

Salmah said she was proud of her 19-year-old son’s achievement in Rio.

Abdul Latif, who was born physically normal, began having seizures when he was three years old and was a slow learner.

“Abdul Latif skipped school often and teachers would come by our house often to persuade him to go to school. His teachers were always encouraging him to participate in sports activities,” she said.

Abdul Latif arrives at KLIA on Sept 22 and “our whole family will be there to welcome Racing Boy home”, said his proud mother.