Ammon News - DESPITE being a losing finalist, Dana Touran has become a hero in her native Jordan.

Apart from having her image adorn the front pages of Jordan's four major newspapers, the 17-year-old has also received congratulatory messages from members of the Jordanian royal family - all because she is the country's first medallist at any Olympic Games.

The high school student may have been in tears after her heart-breaking sudden-death defeat by Thailand's Worawong Pongpanit in Monday's girls' 49kg taekwondo final.

But, since then, she has been given many reasons to smile.

On Tuesday, Prince Feisal Al Hussein, the president of Jordan's National Olympic Committee (NOC), threw a dinner in her honour.

When she returns, she can expect more celebrations, a monetary reward and even a possible university scholarship.

'First I was sad that I did not win gold, but then I realised the significance of my achievement,' said the Amman native. 'I have created history, but this is dedicated to the people of Jordan.'

Said Sirsa Naghway, Jordan's chef de mission: 'This first Olympic medal is very important to the country because it shows that we have excellent young athletes and the future is bright.'

Jordanians will be glad to know that Dana has set her sights on bigger things.

The willowy lass, who took up the sport when she was seven, is already targeting another podium finish at November's Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.

* Straight Times

** Dana Touran with her silver medal. She is Jordan's first medallist at any Olympic Games. PHOTO: XINHUA/SYOGOC-POOL