UAE distance runner Mariam Al Zaabi brought the crowd to their feet with a heart-warming and gold medal-winning effort in the 1,500m race at New York University Abu Dhabi.

Day two – Monday – of the Special Olympics IX MENA Games Abu Dhabi 2018 got off to a fantastic start at the NYUAD campus on Saadiyat Island with the Emirati long-distance athlete sealing first place in her race.

The runner paced her way around the track to take the gold medal, waving her arms to the cheering crowd and soaking up the applause.

Speaking after her run, Mariam said: “I am very happy and not even tired. I was so excited with the crowd cheering me on from the stands.

“I’m training all the time with my coach who helps me to get faster. Hopefully I can win more medals at the World Games next year.”

Top spot for local runner.