Many know Datuk Abdul Latif Romly as one of Malaysia’s celebrated Paralympic long jumpers. But long before he made his mark on the international stage, his journey began at home, with his family determined to help him find his confidence and thrive despite the learning challenges he faced from a young age.

What started with his parents simply wanting to see their son happy and confident would eventually lead him to international podiums. Yet, through every achievement, the spirit that first set him on this path remains unchanged — a desire to keep pushing himself, reaching further.

As the youngest of seven siblings, Abdul Latif grew up with the unwavering support of his parents, Salmah Yatim and Romly Mat, who played a pivotal role in nurturing his pursuit of sporting excellence.

Their encouragement was where his love for sport first began to grow.

Few would have imagined that the quiet boy Abdul Latif once was would grow into one of the world’s finest T20 long jumpers. Growing up with limited means, he was reserved and often kept to himself. He only began learning to read and write at around 15, and was still building his confidence in both at the time.

His journey in sport began during his school days, when a teacher recognised a natural ability in him. What was first seen as a glimpse of potential gradually grew into a serious pursuit, setting Abdul Latif on a path that would eventually take him to the highest levels of international competition.

With fellow athletes at Rio 2016


Before becoming a long jump champion, Abdul Latif, who once dreamed of becoming a police officer, tried his hand at various sports during his school years, including football, handball, volleyball, the 100m, triple jump and high jump. But one teacher saw something different in him and suggested that he give the long jump a try.

Once his coach recognised his potential, Abdul Latif was brought in for a fitness assessment to determine his eligibility to join the National Sports Council (MSN) in July 2014. It marked the beginning of his journey as a high-potential athlete.

His growing success soon opened the door to representing Malaysia at the Paralympic competition.

In a post on his Instagram account, Abdul Latif said that as a person with a learning disability, he has never viewed his condition as a limitation. Instead, he has always believed that he, too, is capable of achieving success.

Breaking the world record in Rio

His learning disability did not stand in the way of showcasing his talent, as he won the gold at the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro after breaking the T20 long jump world record three times in a single day on September 11.

Abdul Latif eventually set the mark at 7.60m with his fifth jump at the Olympic Stadium. But victory did not come easily for the national star, as he suffered an injury during the jump.

Abdul Latif made his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow in 2026.


The previous world record of 7.35m was also held by Abdul Latif, which he set at the IPC World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, a year earlier.

His success in Rio was only the beginning. Abdul Latif went on to defend his title in the men’s T20 long jump at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan, becoming the first Malaysian athlete to successfully retain a Paralympic title and further cementing his place in the country’s sporting history.

Two years later, at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Abdul Latif made history once again, producing a 7.64m jump to break his own T20 world record.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the record was never a limit he was content to set and leave behind. Throughout his career, he has continued to push his own boundaries, with his T20 world record now standing at 7.67m.

To this day, Abdul Latif continues to add to Malaysia’s collection of gold medals. In July, at the age of 29, he made his Commonwealth Games debut in Glasgow, marking another milestone in his career.

The men’s T20 long jump also made its Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2026, adding another layer of significance to the occasion.

Abdul Latif once again showed why he is regarded as one of the world’s finest T20 long jumpers, claiming gold with a 7.17m effort.

“Semangat Membara, Untukmu Malaysia” exhibition at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad runs till September 16, in conjunction with the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.


However, his bid to break his own 7.67m world record fell short, with heavy rain and cold weather making the competition more challenging. Still, his 7.17m jump was enough to send Malaysia’s national anthem echoing across Glasgow.

Initially targeting a 7.80m jump, Abdul Latif had to adjust his approach and prioritise securing the win under the difficult conditions.

But did you know that his gold medal in Glasgow 2026 was more than just another medal for Abdul Latif?

The gold in Glasgow completed the collection of international titles Abdul Latif had spent 12 years chasing. Today, the T20 long jump champion has amassed at least 15 gold medals across five major stages: two Paralympic golds, five world titles, three Asian Para Games golds, four ASEAN Para Games golds and one Commonwealth Games gold.

Each jump may last only a matter of seconds. But reaching that moment takes years of training, family support, guidance from coaches and a determination that never wavers.

Heroes are not born knowing what they are capable of. Sometimes, it takes a teacher, a family member or someone close to them to recognise that potential first. For Abdul Latif, it was someone who helped him discover his passion and realise what he could achieve.

His story is a reminder that limitations do not have to stand in the way. With the guidance of a teacher who recognised his talent, a boy from rural Perlis went on to make Malaysia proud on the world stage.

Want to meet Malaysia’s sporting heroes?

Visit the public installation Semangat Membara, Untukmu Malaysia at Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad till September 16, as part of the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations.