If you talk with Indonesians about the rising athletics star who has touched hearts, sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri will come to their minds. The teenager became the first from his country to win a medal at the under-20 IAAF championships by taking home a Gold in the 100 meters and is bringing new track and field hope to the country. Timothy Ulrich brings you the story.

Waiting at the start of men's 100-meter final is young Indonesian runner Lalu Muhammad Zohri who is about to take part in the biggest race of his career. The whole country's focus is on him with thousands of fans in the stadium chanting his name. The 18-year-old finishes seventh in the front of the home crowd, not bad for a first appearance at the Asian Games.

LALU MUHAMMAD ZOHRI FINISHED 7TH IN MEN'S 100m FINAL "This is my first Asian Games and I think I learned a lot from the competition. Its a tremendous night for me especially when as the fans were calling my name. I will never forget this moment."

Zohri rose to fame in the Southeast Asian country one month ago when became the first Indonesian to win a medal at the under-20 IAAF championships by taking home a Gold in the 100 meters. Before those championships, the young sprinter lived in a house made of wood and woven bamboo. He couldn't even afford shoes which meant he had no other choice but to train barefoot. The death of his parents left him and his three elder to fend for themselves but he doesn't want his sad story to define him and wants to concentrate on being the best runner he can be.

LALU MUHAMMAD ZOHRI IAAF U20 100m GOLD MEDALIST "Every athlete has a story. I do have mine but I would rather concentrate on my training and the competition so I can try my best at everything."

Zohri was labeled as a national hero for his efforts. He's recently met with President Joko Widodo and become part of a contingent of high performing Indonesian athletes in a program designed to make the country a more competitive player on the international athletics scene.

LALU MUHAMMAD ZOHRI INDONESIA SPRINTER "I will work hard and try to earn more honors for my country."

Despite not appearing on the podium at these Asian games, the teenager, at such a young age still, will surely have more opportunities to shine on the international stage. Timothy Ulrich, CGTN.