Para long jumper wins despite elements denying him shot at improving world mark

Rise to the occasion: Abdul Latif Romly (centre) celebrating with silver medallist Noah Vucsics of Canada (left) and compatriot Eljoe Gotuoh. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: National para long jumper Abdul Latif Romly struck gold at the Commonwealth Games, but rain and biting cold denied the Malaysian a dream world record.

The 29-year-old soared to the men’s T20 (intellectual disability) title with a best leap of 7.17m on his third attempt at Scotstoun Stadium.

However, the deteriorating conditions made it impossible for Latif to mount a serious assault on his own world mark.

He finished ahead of Noah Vucsics of Canada who won silver with 6.66m while another national representative Eljoe Gotuoh, 22 and from Sabah, took home bronze after recording 6.51m.

Latif’s 7.17m mark was far from his world record of 7.67m.

Latif, who is also the flagbearer for the national contingent, said he was aiming to set a new mark but then it started to rain just before his competition.

“The temperature started to drop and I could feel the difference. My body started to shiver after a few early runs.

“I wanted to go for the world record but it was not possible in this kind of conditions, so my priority was to win the gold instead.

“It’s my fortune to win it for Malaysia as this is also my first time competing at the Commonwealth Games.

“I’m grateful for this victory as I’m not sure if this event will be included in the next Commonwealth Games,” said the Perlis-born Latif, who is also the reigning world champion.

He had waited for 12 years to taste success as the Commonwealth Games as previously, his event was not contested.

Latif will now return home to train and prepare to defend his Asian Para Games title in Aichi-Nagoya in October.

His victory helped Malaysia meet their five-gold target at the Games.

His gold medal is Malaysia’s fifth in Glasgow. Weightlifting contributed the other four through Aniq Kasdan (men’s 60kg), Aznil Bidin (men’s 65kg), Erry Hidayat (men’s 79kg) and Hafizuddin Roslin (men’s 88kg).

Australia 35 18 27 80

Canada 13 10 12 35

England 10 18 15 43

Scotland 7 4 4 15

Nigeria 6 4 2 12

Malaysia 5 2 3 10

South Africa 4 7 5 16

New Zealand 3 7 3 13

India 2 7 3 12

Jamaica 2 0 0 2