Full-time dad Hafiz surprises even himself with discus gold

MUHD Hafiz Abu Bakar has had to take a back seat in the last two days as his wife Siti Noor Iasah Ariffin stole the limelight at the Kuala Lumpur Asean Para Games.

The 28-year-old Siti ruled the track in the middle distance events, winning both the 400m and 800m in the T20 (intellectual disability) category.

But yesterday, it was the 33-year-old Hafiz’s turn to shine as he nailed the gold in the men’s discus F36/F37 (cerebral palsy).

Hafiz, who missed his first attempt, got it right at the third time of asking – hurling it to 33.51m.

Indonesian Ahmad Fauzi, who pipped Hafiz to the shot putt gold on Wednesday, managed 31.84m.

The Indonesian, however, had to settle for the bronze after Malaysian Shamli Waidi, who has a more severe disability from the F36 class, took the silver despite his 27.14m effort.

The day, though, belonged to Hafiz, who is no longer a fulltime athlete.

He took on the role of a fulltime father to allow Siti to focus on her career.

“I stopped training full time since the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games to let Siti focus on her athletics career. She has more competitions and that means she also travels more frequently nowadays,” said Hafiz.

“I’m mostly a full-time dad now, especially since our daughter Nur Qaisara has started school.

“I really didn’t expect this (discus gold). I knew I had a chance, but I never thought I’d be able to throw it beyond 33m.

“My personal best is about 38m, but that was four years ago when I was training fulltime.

“As a part-timer, my average is around 31m or 32m.

“So, to win today is quite a pleasant surprise.”

Sabahan Shamli was overjoyed after winning his third medal at the Games.

The 28-year-old defended his javelin title and was awarded a shot putt gold in the F36 class after a technical review on Wednesday.

“I think the coaches filed for a review after the shot putt event yesterday. I’m not sure what happened but I’m happy to get two golds,” said the Ranau native.

“To get a silver today is a bonus. Now, I just want to relax and enjoy myself. It’s time to party!”