PHNOM PENH: Up and coming national sprinter Umar Osman revealed that his road to the Sea Games was filled with challenges.
Umar, 20, said he was forced to postpone his studies to join the national team's training camp early this year. The tough training regime he went through also took its toll on him.
His sacrifices, however, paid off as he won the men's 400m gold medal yesterday.
"Initially, nobody believed I could win a medal," said Umar today.
"It was the encouragement from my coach, family and friends that gave me the motivation to push myself. I was willing to sacrifice my form six studies for the country and trained until I could not get up anymore.
"I cried after winning (yesterday) because I did not expect to win gold in my first Sea Games and also break the national record."
Umar's winning time of 46.34 seconds erased the former national mark of 46.41s which had been set by Zaiful Zainal Abidin in 2001.
The Johorean said he is determined to help Malaysia win the 4x400m relay later this week.
"I believe the gold I won (in 400m) will spur other runners to give their best in the 4x400m."