SHAH ALAM, Sept 9 — Sacrificing time with his family paid off for Muhammad Noorhelmi Mohd Rabi when he defended three Para SUKMA LT12 athletics gold medals.
He previously won the 100m, 200m and 400m events at the 2024 edition of Para SUKMA in Sarawak.
“I am very happy and did not expect to get three gold medals. This year has been very meaningful as I got to break all three championship records.
“My target this year was only to break the 400m record, but God blessed me and let me break all three records,” he said.
He added that his family gave him the strength to train and do his best, even as he had to spend less time with his wife and children.
“The secret to being consistent is discipline, belief in myself, and my willingness to sacrifice many things,” he said, adding that he greatly appreciates that his wife has always understood the demands of his athletic career and that his parents have never stopped supporting his pursuits.
After his Para SUKMA victories, Norrhelmi will now focus on preparing for his first appearance at the Para Asian Games in Nagoya this year.
Although he sees himself as a “junior” on that stage, he said he has benefited from his seniors like Muhamad Afiq Mohamad Ali Hanafiah, who helped him with training and sparring sessions.
Noorhelmi hopes to do his best in the Para Asian Games and is aiming to renew his personal records.
