KUALA LUMPUR: Shot putter Ziyad Zolkefli is looking to replicate his World Para Athletics Championships form at the Paris Paralympics from Aug 29-Sept 8.
Ziyad, competing in the F20 (intellectual disability) category, claimed victory at the Kobe World Para Athletics Championships in May with a remarkable throw of 17.43m, setting a new Asian record and now, he's aiming to surpass that performance in Paris.
His last Paralympic appearance, in Tokyo 2020, ended in disappointment when he was disqualified for arriving late to the call room, losing his title despite throwing a world record of 17.94m.
The gold medal went to Ukrainian Maksym Koval, who recorded a throw of 17.34m. Koval now holds the world record at 17.57m, which he set at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in Paris.
This will mark Ziyad's fourth appearance at the Paralympic Games, following his participation in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
His mission this time is clear — break the 18-metre barrier.
"In the past, many things have happened. I've faced various challenges and undergone rigorous training to get to Paris. Now, with just a few days left before I compete, I believe this is the moment, and my body is ready to compete there," said the 34-year-old.
"Of course, winning the World Championships was a great motivation for me. That's the spirit I want to bring to Paris, God willing, I will try my best."
National shot put coach Faizol Harun said he is 100 per cent confident that Ziyad is ready for Paris.
"I've known Ziyad for a long time, and I know what he's like. I'm very confident that Ziyad is ready for the Paris Paralympics," he said.
"We will carry the spirit of Kobe with us to Paris. I hope he will do even better and try to break the world record again."