PARIS, Sept 3 – National pride Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli fell short of reclaiming the F20 men’s shot put gold medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, but his valiant effort still earned Malaysia a silver.
Muhammad Ziyad’s Determined Fight Falls Short
Malaysia’s celebrated athletics champion, Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli, returned to the Paralympic arena with hopes of reclaiming his gold from the Rio 2016 Games. Competing in the F20 men’s shot put category for athletes with intellectual disabilities, Ziyad’s best throw of 17.18 meters secured him the silver medal at the iconic Stade de France.
The 34-year-old Sarawak-born athlete started strong with an initial throw of 16.75 meters, which set the tone for a fiercely competitive event. His subsequent attempts of 16.66 meters and his best at 17.18 meters placed him in the lead temporarily. However, despite pushing hard and trying to better his throws with a final 16.86 meters, he couldn’t surpass his own best or match the stunning performance of his Ukrainian rival.
The Rise of Oleksandr Yarovyi: A New Record Holder
Yarovyi’s Unstoppable Throws Break Records
Oleksandr Yarovyi of Ukraine stunned the crowd with an impressive display of strength and precision, breaking the world record twice in a single competition. The 25-year-old athlete cleared 17.60 meters on his third attempt, shattering the previous record of 17.57 meters held by his teammate and defending champion, Maksym Koval, from the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.
In a surprising turn of events, Yarovyi outdid himself on his fourth attempt, launching the shot put to 17.61 meters, setting a new world benchmark and snatching the gold medal away from Koval. This unexpected feat has solidified Yarovyi’s status as one of the rising stars in Paralympic athletics, overshadowing both his teammate and other competitors, including Malaysia’s Ziyad.
Maksym Koval’s Struggle: A Tough Day on the Field
Defending Champion Maksym Koval’s Disappointment
Defending champion Maksym Koval, who was expected to continue his winning streak, faced a challenging competition. Koval struggled to find his rhythm, with four of his throws being disqualified. His best attempt of 16.99 meters was only enough to secure the bronze medal. Despite his efforts to defend his title, Koval’s performance fell short of the new records set by his compatriot, Yarovyi.
Muhammad Ziyad’s Journey: A Comeback to Remember
Ziyad’s Return from Heartbreak
Muhammad Ziyad’s journey to the Paris 2024 Paralympics was a story of redemption and resilience. After returning empty-handed in the previous edition, his determination to make a strong comeback was evident from the start. Despite missing out on the gold, Ziyad’s silver medal is a significant achievement, highlighting his persistence and skill on the global stage. His efforts not only bring pride to Malaysia but also inspire the next generation of athletes, especially those from Sarawak.
What’s Next for Muhammad Ziyad?
Looking Forward to Future Competitions
Ziyad has expressed gratitude to his supporters back home and remains optimistic about future competitions. With an impressive career that includes multiple Paralympic and world championship medals, Ziyad’s focus now shifts to improving his form and aiming for gold in upcoming events. His determination and sportsmanship continue to make him a celebrated figure in Malaysian athletics.
Malaysia’s Paralympic Spirit Shines
While the gold medal may have eluded Muhammad Ziyad this time, his performance in Paris 2024 has once again put Malaysia on the map in the world of para athletics. The resilience and determination shown by Ziyad serve as a reminder of the spirit of Malaysian athletes—overcoming challenges and continuing to strive for greatness on the world stage. – Bernama