Powerlifter Othman celebrates birthday with gold and world record

"I had lifted a better weight," said Othman. "I will break my record one day in future."

Gold medalist Sherif Othman Othman(C) of Egypt, silver medalist Rasool Mohsin(L) of Iraq and bronze medalist Jung Keum-Jong of South Korea pose for photo during the awarding ceremony of men's 56kg at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games Powerlifting event in Beijing, Sept. 11, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

"It is my first time to visit China," he added. "I am impressed by the city. People are all very nice to me. I will never forget the Beijing Paralympics"

Othman, who used to be a shot putter, started powerlifting only in 2005, when he was encouraged by his coach Said Abdelhafez, also a powerlifter and the first Egyptian medallist in the Paralympics.

"I just started this sport in 2005, and thanks to the fact that I got an excellent coach, Abdelhafez. With his help, I could make the achievement today. He told me that the best time for a powerlifter is from age 25 to 29, and I decide to make the best of the period," said Othman.

Othman used to have three training sessions a week, each lasting two hours. He later increased his workload.