KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — National Paralympic athlete Abdul Latif Romly’s majestic feat to secure the nation’s third gold medal in the Rio Paralympics en route to setting a new world record received all round cheers from Malaysians who took to the social media to express their appreciation.

The success of the 19-year-old in the men’s long jump T20 (Intellectual Disability) received the attention of Malaysians who shared their happiness and congratulatory messages on social websites such as Twitter and Facebook using the hastag #TerbangLatifTerbang.

A check on Twitter showed Abdul Latif was mentioned more than 15,000 times while hundreds sharing the news of his success at the Rio Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Abdul Latiff set a new world record of 7.60m in the men’s T20 long jump at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday to underline his supremacy as a leading athlete in the world.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in his Twitter posting said: “Third Gold for Malaysia! Broke world record three times. Yes, three.

Latif Romli, you are a LEGEND! Totally extraordinary SUPER HUMAN!”.

Also sharing her happiness was Rio Olympics silver medalist Pandelela Rinong who described the success of the Kangar boy as superb.

“There you go #LatifRomly just won the gold for #Malaysia! So proud of you.

#paralympics #malaysiaboleh #soproud, flying hero,” said the national diver through her Twitter account.

Meanwhile, popular singer Altimet in his Facebook said “#terbanglatifterbang, our flying hero. Broke world record 3 times today. Gold Medal 3 #Malaysia. Thank you, Latif Romly. #champion.

In this regard, Deputy Women, Family Community Development Minister Datin Chew Mei Fun also congratulated the three Paralympic heroes.

“We are proud of their achievements. For athletes who are disabled, to overcome shortcomings in the field of competitive sports, they face greater challenges than normal able-bodied athletes...They require superhuman stamina and endurance,” said the MCA vice-president in a statement today.

On Saturday, Mohamad Ridzuan Mohamad Puzi won the country’s first gold medal in the men’s 100m T36 (cerebral palsy) event with a time of 12.07 seconds while Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli raked in the second gold for Malaysia in the men’s shot put F20 (intellectual disability) event with a throw of 16.84 metres en route to setting a new world record in the process. — Bernama