Impressions and Hopes of Indonesian Athletes Winning Medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) received Indonesian athletes competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, August 15, 2024. (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Vico)

After being received by President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, August 15, 2024, Indonesian athletes who won medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics shared their impressions and hopes. One of them, Veddriq Leonardo, who won a gold medal in the men’s speed climbing event, expressed his gratitude for the appreciation from President Jokowi.

“Alhamdulillah, I thank the President for the recognition. It’s incredibly gratifying to be appreciated with such high regard,” he said with deep gratitude.

According to Veddriq, winning at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a long-cherished dream. Looking ahead, he is committed to maintaining his focus to achieve success at the next Olympics in Los Angeles 2028.

“Hopefully, Indonesian climbing will continue to excel and receive ongoing support from the public and the Indonesian government,” he hoped.

Similarly, Rizki Juniansyah, who won a gold medal in the men’s 73 kg weightlifting category, couldn’t hide his pride and emotion after meeting President Jokowi. “Alhamdulillah, I’m extremely happy, proud, and moved because this recognition is very significant and beneficial for athletes,” said Rizki.

Reflecting on his victory, Rizki shared his story of overcoming many challenges. He plans to focus on the upcoming National Sports Week (PON), where he will represent Banten.

“I aim to win another gold medal, as I did in the previous PON. For next year, I’ll also prepare for the qualifiers leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics,” he explained.

Rizki also hopes that weightlifting in Indonesia will continue to advance with strong support from the government and current administrators, who are already doing very well. “Going forward, we need to work even harder to retain our gold medals in Los Angeles because maintaining a title is tougher than winning it,” Rizki noted.

Meanwhile, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, who won a bronze medal in women’s singles badminton, expressed her gratitude for being present at the Merdeka Palace with the other gold medalists. Gregoria also appreciated the bonus given by the government, which she said is very meaningful for the athletes.

“I am very thankful and grateful to Mr. Jokowi and his team for providing this bonus. I hope I could use it wisely,” Gregoria said.

These Indonesian athletes, with great humility, look to the future with high hopes. Not only do they bring home medals from the Olympics but they also carry a spirit to continue excelling and bringing honor to their nation on the international stage. (BPMI SETPRES/DNS) (APN/LW)