Nurdin’s mission: Win gold and unite parents
MUHAMAD Nurdin Ibrahim has had to endure two painful experiences – his learning disability and his parents’ divorce.
He was just five years old when his parents – Ibrahim Yahya and Siti Katijah Alip – split and the Melaka athlete still can’t accept it.
He said that every time he sees other parents supporting their disabled children during competitions, he would feel down and depressed.
That’s why he has vowed to win medals in the men’s 800m, 1,500m and 5,000m T20 (learning disability) in the Asean Para Games and reunite his parents.
Whether it will work or not, it doesn’t matter for Nurdin.
At least, he knows he has tried.
“I love both my parents. My mother works as a security guard in Puchong while my dad lives in Sik, Kedah,” said the 20yearold Nurdin.
“I am based at the National Sports Council (NSC) hostel in Bukit Jalil.
“When I get time off from training, I will travel to visit my dad in Kedah.
“Both my parents took turns to take care of me since I was young.
“It would be great if I can get them together again,” added Nurdin, who will be featuring in his third Asean Para Games.
He made his debut in Myanmar Games in 2014 and finished fourth in the 800m and 1,500m.
A year later, he broke the Asean record in 1,500m by clocking 4:25.89 to win gold in Singapore.
As for the KL Games, Nurdin is confident he can rewrite his Asean Games 1,500m record, having clocked a personal best of 4:19.35 to win silver in the IPC World Grand Pix in Dubai in March.
He also won a silver in Dubai – clocking a personal best of 2:01.40 in the 800m.
Nurdin hopes to win the 1,500m gold by breaking the Asean record by at least three seconds.
“I will be happy if I can also win the 800m gold. As for the 5,000m, I’ll be pleased if I can improve on my personal best of 17:13.90 as this will be the first time that I’m featuring in it,” said Nurdin.