This Is Why A M’sian Paralympian Swimmer Got In Trouble Over A Plaster On His Shoulder
The plaster Nur Syaiful Zulkafli wore was not officially approved by the referee.
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26-year-old Paralympian Muhd Nur Syaiful Zulkafli made his debut swimming at the 200m freestyle S5 (physical disabilities) and clocked in what would have been an Asian record at 2:56:78 s if not for a plaster on his shoulder.
Nur Syaiful finished fifth out of six swimmers in the first heat before receiving bad news from the referee telling him he had been disqualified for using a “waterproof” plaster to cover up a boil on his left shoulder.
The News Straits Times reports Nur Syaiful had checked earlier with an official and was told it was up to him to wear the plaster or not. To avoid infection, he chose to wear one.
For today, the official who checked the equipment such as goggles, jacket and pants, before I went down to the pool also allowed me to perform. However, I was shocked by the referee’s decision to cancel my participation, after they told me the use of plasters is strictly prohibited.
Muhd Nur Syaiful Zulkafli as quoted by NST
He should have asked the referee first
What seems like a trivial matter is officially classed as an infraction as per the World Para Swimming Rules and Regulations listed on the official Paralympics website.
Under Part B – World Para Swimming Regulations: Medical Services 6.6.21:
Good news after all
Despite the underwhelming decision for the committee to at first disqualify Nur Syaiful at the Mens’ 100m freestyle, he eventually qualified for the finals today (26 August) scheduled for 4pm Malaysian time.
Depending how things go today, he also has a chance to win Gold when he competes in his pet event – the 50m freestyle on Wednesday 1 September.
He previously won Gold in the 50m freestyle event S5 at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia.
Nur Syaiful, who first took up Para swimming in 2015 in his home state of Sarawak, was involved in a motorcycle accident in 2012, which resulted in an impairment to his legs.
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