Abu Dhabi: UAE sprinter Omar Juma Al Salfah became the fastest man in the region after winning the 100metre race at the GCC Athletics Championships in Qatif, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday in 10.58 seconds to set a new record.
Al Salfah beat tough competition headed by Qatar's Samuel Francis who finished a disappointing fourth as Saudi Arabia's Yahya Hassan grabbed second place with 10.77 seconds, followed by Qatar's Al Waleed Abdullah who finished third.
Al Salfah's gold medal increased the UAE's haul on the first day of competition to six - one gold, two silver and three bronze.
"We are pleased with the performance of our athletes in the GCC Championship," said Ahmad Al Kamali, the chairman of the UAE Athletics Federation.
A jubilant Al Salfah said his victory was a result of his dedicated training and support extended by his family, the UAE AF and his coach.
He added: "I should have registered a better time but the wind was against me and I do hope that in the next race I will score a better time."
Al Salfah asked for more support to the games, saying: "It is the individual sports that can win medals and victories for the UAE. "I do hope that the sports officials in our country will give more support to the individual sports and athletes."
