Tariq's First Gold Medal! - Inspirational Story as a Parent

Tariq just won his very first National gold medal, alhamdulillah!!

A few days back, Tariq competed in a National Level Swimming Competition Karnival Bakat Pelapis organized by the National Sports Council of Malaysia. 

Competitors came from all over Malaysia. 

Tariq participated in 6 events altogether. And won 3 medals, alhamdulillah!

One bronze, one silver and one gold.

But it wasnt an easy journey for Tariq.

He missed his many chances to get the gold medal.

He got 5th place, 4th place, 3rd place and even 2nd place. 

Several mistakes he did in those events caused him his Gold Medal. 

And because of that, Tariq learned what a burning desire is. 

What it feels like to really want to achieve something. 

So just before his last and final event, Tariq said to me.., Mama... Tariq wants the gold medal..

So here is your chance, sayang...this is your last event for this competition.. give it everything you have.. be very focused when you swim.. kick super fast.. swim with perfect technique Coach taught you.. the closer your are to the yellow timer board, the faster you kick... you want to be the first swimmer who touches the yellow board.. dont bother about other swimmers... it is just between you and Allah... make duaa to Allah and do your best..., I said to him

Yes Mama... Tariq remember Mama said.. it is all in Allah’s Hand.. and Tariq must just do my very very very best.., answered my little Tariq

And with that in mind, Tariq swam his heart out in his final event 50m Freestyle Group 6 (5-6 years old) in the midst of his team mates and Coaches screaming his name and Tariq won his first National Gold Medal, alhamdulillah!!

Alhamdulillah!! Alhamdulillah ya Allah 💖💖💖

Tariq needed socks to wear under his fins to a void the fins falling off during competition

Tariq waiting in queue for his event 50m Dolphin Kick

Tariq with his team.. Abang Andika and Abang Zidane whom both improved on their personal best time. Far left is Coach Ho, national swimmer and far right is Abang Abie.. also Gold Medalist and Record Holders of multiple swimming events

Tariq’s Result list for 50m Freekick with Board that landed his first National Gold medal, alhamdulillah!

The event that gives Tariq his very first National Gold Medal, alhamdulillah..

Tariq’s very first National medal was actually the bronze medal for 3rd place in 50m Freestyle with Fin!

Tariq doing some Mathematics while waiting for his next event. The life of a competitive swimmer..

Tariq first taste of what it feels to get a medal. He was super happy with happy hormones rush all over his system!

Tariq waving to Mama on his way to take his swimming lane

Tariq waiting for his event to start..

Still in Cloud Nine... 😂😍💖

Super happy super grateful Mama with Tariq

Tariq just came out of the medal room after receiving his gold medal and people started taking his photos. I guess Tariq’s size made him an underdog and caught people by surprised when he wins the 50m!

Tariq’s Result List for 50m Dolphin Kick. Silver 2nd place alhamdulillah..

Swimmers Kids will either read books, do Maths, place boardgames like chess etc while waiting for their events.. no video games, no phones, no gadget!

Tariq’s Result List 50m Freestyle with Fins

Tariq surrounded by ‘admirers’ after receiving his first gold medal.

Tariq waiting in queue for in event with other swimmers

Intense moment when Tariq got a piece of mind from his beloved Coach for making mistakes in his event that caused him a medal.

Tariq performing his Fajr prayers before leaving home for his competition. Come to Prayers, Come to Success!💖

Tariq with his awesome Coach Irene Hisham who embodies everything what a great Coach is! Love you Coach!

Tariq with his team mates.. Abang Dinesh and Kakak Visale so happy celebrating Tariq’s Silver Medal!💖

ariq’s First Gold Medal! 50m Freestyle with Kickboard alhamdulillah!

Tariq’s First National Medal, alhamdulillah 💖 50m Freestyle with Fins

Tariq with all his 3 medals. Gold for 50m Freestyle with Kickboard, Silver for 50m Dolphin Kick with Kickboard and Bronze for 50m Freestyle with Fin. Well done Tariq! Alhamdulillah!

Abang Hazim came late at night just to be there to support Tariq! Thanks Abang! Muhammad Al Hazim😍😘

Tariq and his Abang Abie.. State Swimmer with many gold medals and records under his name! 😍

Tariq and team mates Aragorn Sta Maria waiting for the event to be called up.. they swim in the same age group... so happy together 😍

 
The heart stopping swim that landed Tariq very first National Gold Medal! It was so close. Mama could barely breath the last few seconds!
   
The 50m Freestyle with Fin competition where Tariq got his very first National medal! It was Bronze 3rd place alhamdulillah!


 
This intense and very close swim landed Tariq his second medal. Silver for 50m Dolphin Kick💖