PARIS: Long jumper Nazmi Nasri has vowed to come back stronger after falling short at the Paris Paralympics.
The 21-year-old world champion, who holds a personal best of 6.13m, could only manage a fifth-place finish in the men's long jump T37 (physical disability) event on Tuesday, recording 6.00m on his second attempt.
Nazmi, who entered the Stade de France as the favourite, admitted his performance wasn't up to expectations but remained philosophical about the outcome.
"My performance here was not up to expectations, but I did my best, and that's Allah's will.
"God willing, at LA 2028, I will give it my all and aim for gold," he told Bernama.
In a fiercely competitive field, Argentina's Brian Lionel Impellizzeri clinched the gold medal with a leap of 6.42m, while Samson Opiyo of Kenya and Brazil's Mateus Evangelista Cardoso both jumped 6.20m to take silver and bronze, respectively.
The result marked a disappointing end for Nazmi, who had set his PB at the 2024 World Championships in Japan, just a few months earlier.
Born with Erb's palsy, which has resulted in a smaller and weaker left side of his body, Nazmi is now more determined than ever to push his limits.
Looking ahead, the Johor-born athlete is focused on defending his world title at the 2025 World Championships.
To achieve his goals, Nazmi plans to build his physical endurance, increase his speed, and refine his jumping technique. - Bernama