“John deserved much more, I’m proud of him as a friend and a teammate,” 82-year-old Muhammad Talib, who had represented Pakistan in the 110m and 400m hurdles, told The Express Tribune about John Permal, Pakistan’s fastest man from 1964 till 1974. Permal, now suffering from pancreatic cancer, according to a social media post by his son Anthony, only has his family around him. Talib said one of his best memories is how he and Permal used to bribe the cook when they would train in Lahore and Rawalpindi for the national camps or events. Athletics as a sport takes nerves of steel, we need to educate ourselves about our heroes, it is our job. I just want to wish him the best, and let him know that he is an inspiration,” said Waseem.

Source: The Express Tribune March 07, 2019 09:56 UTC