MADINAH, 16 April 2005 — Saudi Abdul Lateef Al-Abdul Lateef is just a rookie but already with a proven track record in weightlifting and, for him, winning two gold medals at the First Islamic Games was a dream come true.

Lateef’s golden efforts came in snatch and total lifts. He also won the silver in the clean and jerk. Abdul Lateef said: “It never crossed my mind that I will pocket two gold and silver medal. All countries that participated in the competition were considered strong in this field like Malaysia and Iraq. I prepared very well for this competition by going to training camp for one month in Poland. I participated in this competition despite an injury to my shoulders and knee. This did not prevent me from doing my best and to achieve the results that I desired. I was very happy to watch my flag going up as the leading country in this sport.”

Abdul Lateef added: “I won 6 gold medals in the Arab championship, which was held in Syria in 2003 and 6 gold medals in Qatar during the Gulf Championship in 2004. I also participated in the world championship in Canada and many other international events. To be honest, I never saw any difference between these championships and the 1st Islamic Solidarity Games, because I consider the Solidarity Games as an international event.” Abdul Lateef thanked his coach Kazim Al-Bahrani for his support.

Al-Bahrani told Arab News: “I saw the gold medal coming to Saudi in weightlifting because the players’ spirit was high, especially in Abdul Lateef.”