Big-hearted Haikal takes on 7km run - and triumphs!
Haikal Mikail Anuar is a fighter and an inspiration. Even for the able-bodied, running 7km is not necessarily an easy task.
But the plucky 13-year-old managed it on just one leg and made it look easy.
Smiling and determinedly clutching his crutch, aided at times by his friends, Haikal completed a cross-country run organised by his school SMK Muadzam Shah in Pahang on Jan 17.
When the race ended, Haikal was in the last place, but he was the big winner of the day...
Haikal Mikail Anuar is a fighter and an inspiration. Even for the able-bodied, running 7km is not necessarily an easy task.
But the plucky 13-year-old managed it on just one leg and made it look easy.
Smiling and determinedly clutching his crutch, aided at times by his friends, Haikal completed a cross-country run organised by his school SMK Muadzam Shah in Pahang on Jan 17.
When the race ended, Haikal was in the last place, but he was the big winner of the day.
His guts and determination touched the hearts of everyone present, and Haikal was an inspiration to his other friends.
Haikal is a former bone cancer patient who had part of his left leg amputated at the age of six.
His father, Anuar Abas, 50, said that as a result of his illness, Haikal previously suffered a broken leg.
"It started on the part of the knee and thighs which swelled, and the doctor advised him to have it amputated," he said.
And from that time Haikal's life changed, said Anuar, who works as a truck driver.
He also said that since he was in primary school, Haikal, who is the fourth of five siblings, has been highly motivated.
Since the amputation, the father said, Haikal has been taught to be self-reliant.
"I allow Haikal to participate in any activity (at school). I want him to be independent, not to expect people to help him.
"To do as much as he can, as long as he can do it," Anuar added.
His teacher, who wanted to be known simply as Cigku Rohana, said that even before the race, Haikal was active.
The youngster has even been involved in football, biking and swimming under the supervision of school teachers.
"The first time he played football, he didn't seem like a student with a disability. And I don't think he will let obstacles hinder him from doing what he wants to do,” said the special education teacher.
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