Strange hobby

Pull, pull, pull...

Dulshani Gunawardena

He is Mohamed Zabry... Thirty nine years of age... A shoe manufacturer from Panadura... A perfectly ordinary man in a perfectly ordinary world.

The only difference is that he pulls planes by the mere force of his own body...

* How did you get the idea for all these amazing and extraordinary feats?

I was an avid sportsman during my schooldays at Jeewlan Central College of Hanamulla. Even afterwards, my passion persisted. I used to collect newspaper clippings with sports news from around the globe. One day, nearly eight years ago, I came across a photo of an Australian man pulling a truck. I was struck by an irresistible desire to do something as fascinating.

One day I decided to act upon this urge. Using just one finger, I pulled my brother's trishaw along with five children within, at a speed of 40kmph.

Encouraged by the positive outcome, I went on to perform many one-of-a-kind records.

* And did you never feel fear?

Indeed I did! It is exhausting and needs a great deal of strength, both mental and physical. Doctors recommend special food, nutrients and medicine, yet I perform all these feats without them. I knew I had the strength within me.

I have felt that I had some such special strength within me for a long time.

* As the saying goes, you like playing with fire...

Indeed! In the literal sense, I once drove a motorcycle and returned through a tunnel of thirty one fire rings of a length of one hundred and ten (110) feet.

* News is that your latest victory is unbelievable!

I pulled a AN32B model aeroplane weighting twenty one tons for twenty feet at the Ratmalan airport on November 8. It was a gruesome at first. I had one trial day before I kept my record. At first, I felt faint and had to rest a lot, but my courage persisted and I finally succeeded. The satisfaction was immense. I have a great thirst to achieve even more. My dream is to perform this feat at international airports worldwide and bring fame to my Motherland.

I specially thank the President, the Air Force and Dr. Rajitha Senaratna in the massive role they played in granting me permission to achieve this victory.

* Tell us more about Mohamed Zabry, the ordinary man...

I am married with three children. All family, relatives and friends give me the utmost support. I'd specially like to thank Alaj Faleel, Mohamed Izwin and Alhaj Shiyam in this regard. But as it is with the trade, there have been several back stabbers too.

I am by profession a shoe manufacturer. It is my major income source, as the income earned by my performances don't amount to much. This income is meagre and the lack of resources have become a major drawback in continuing with my performances. I'd be very grateful for a sponsor.

I'm also a performing magician, a trade I learned from my father. I perform at schools, hotels and carnivals as a past time. Another dream of mine is to visit foreign countries and hone up my skills.

* So are all these performances magic too?

No, no. There is absolutely no magic involved. It's rather a miracle of my own strengths.

* Do you think you have received due recognition?

That's a hard question. I've received much support in this journey. Yet, I would appreciate more involvement from the Authorities, specially Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry. Four of my records should be entered to the Guinness Book of World Records, but yet no measures have been taken by the relevant authorities.

Over to you, Sri Lanka!

Mohomad Zabry can be contacted via 0777657056.