KUALA LUMPUR: Salmah Yatim was in disbelief at the sight of the crowd waiting for the homecoming of her son, Rio Paralympics gold medallist Abdul Latif Romly, and the other national para athletes.
"He was just a 'rempit' hero back in Perlis but now, seeing all those people welcoming him home, he really is a hero for Malaysians," Salmah told the New Straits Times at the Paralympic Sports Complex in Kampung Pandan today.
Abdul Latif, who broke his own world record three times to win the men's long jump T20 (intellectual disability) event, was raised in an active family.
"All my children played sports, even myself, so we would like Abdul Latif to remain in this field for as long as he can.
"With sports, my son has a good life and he can contribute to the nation too," she said.
Zolkefli Othman, father of men's shot put F20 (intellectual disability) gold medallist Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli said he could not thank all Malaysians enough for their support.
"The whole country celebrated his victory and sang his praises even before his return. Of course, as his father I am proud.
"When he was not doing well in school, I told him academics were not the only way to success and we are blessed that he found his path," Zolkefli said.
Siti Noor Radiah Ismail, who delivered a bronze in the women's long jump T20, will send her parents for their umrah with the incentive she received.
Her father Ismail Sawal thanked Noor Radiah's school teachers and coaches for taking care of her like their own daughter.
"They worked past her stubborness until she achieved success and as her real parents, we could only support them from afar," he said.
Mohamad Puzi Mat Isa, father of the 100m T36 (cerebral palsy) sprint gold medallist Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi hoped the media exposure would not affect his son's focus on next year's Asean Para Games.
"I hope he will continue with his normal training schedule and live his daily life as usual, without letting fame get in the way," he said.
He said the family understands and respects Ridzuan hectic training schedule although it meant spending less time with the family.
"I want him to do all he can for as long as the country needs his contribution in his event."
Mohamad Puzi also hoped parents of those with cerebral palsy could identify their children's talents and help to develop them to the fullest.
The para athletes and their families were treated to dinner at the Paralympic Sports Complex. Also present were former prime minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and his wife Tun Jeanne Abdullah, who is the Malaysian Paralympic Council (MPM) patron.