After competing at the Special OlympicsSpecial Olympics in Los Angeles last month, 17-year-old Abdul Intiaz Shariff is eager to compete in more international events.

Shariff won the gold medal in the 400 metres and a silver medal in the 200m.

The Suva Primary School student would never forget the experience.

“It was something new for me to compete against other athletes from other countries,” he said.

Shariff’s mother, Ashmin Nisha is happy to have her son back and said he has gained a sense of confidence.

“I am very proud of my son,” she said.

Molly makes Mum Proud

Meanwhile, Shariff’s teammmate, Molly Esther also made her mother proud.

Etita Erika, of Uma Village in Nandoi, Rabi, could not contain her excitement.

She said her daughter’s achievement was still celebrated at home.

Esther won the gold medal in the 100 metre.

“I thank God for giving her the strength, getting her gold medal and bringing her back safely,” Erika said.

“Since she has been back, we have noticed a few changes in her, for example, she is happier  now.

“I never dreamed that my daughter would be going to the United States and also represent our country one day.

Regardless of her achievements at the Special Olympics, the 16-year-old Suva Primary School student said she was not planning to concentrate on running.

“I like running, but I love cooking and I want to be a chef in the future.”

Esther won gold medals in the 100m, javelin and a silver medal in the 4x100m relay.

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