SEA Games 2023: Pewushu Edgar Xavier Finds 'Stars' That Was Stolen

Indonesian taolu athlete Edgar Xavier Marvelo. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - Indonesian taolu athlete Edgar Xavier Marvelo won a gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia. He became the best in the men's Chagguan number which took place at the Chroy Changvar Convention Center, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Friday, May 12.

This is Edgar Xavier's first gold medal at the SEA Games. At the previous two years, he failed to present gold for the Red and White contingent.

Edgar said this was not an event of revenge after the previous edition was unable to win a gold medal. However, he called this a "stolen star and has been found again".

"It's called an outlet or revenge, no, because the head coach said yesterday that my star last year was stolen, fighting for the star again this year," said Edgar when met after the match.

"And I believe in the existing preparations, with the cooperation of coaches, administrators, and fellow athletes, I feel confident. The preparations are more prepared, I am stronger physically and mentally, and believe that the star is indeed my star," he continued, as quoted from Antara.

-- EMAS UNTUK INDONESIA! Selamat kepada Edgar Xavier Marvelo dari cabang olahraga Wushu yang berhasil mempersembahkan medali emas bagi Indonesia di nomor Men's Changquan.#Kemenpora#PemudaMajuOlahragaJaya#SEAGames32#AyoIndonesia#IndonesiaJuara pic.twitter.com/B5htK3xZAX

— KEMENPORA RI (@KEMENPORA_RI) May 12, 2023

-- GOLD FOR INDONESIA! Congratulations to Edgar Xavier Marvelo from the Wushu sport who managed to present a gold medal for Indonesia in the Men's Changquan number. #Kemenpora #PemudaMajuolahragaJaya#SEAGames32#AyoIndonesia#IndonesiaJuara pic.twitter.com/B5htK3xZAX

That confidence is certainly not without reason. Edgar previously won the Men's Changguan title at the 2022 Wushu World Games while defending the medals he won at the World Championships in Shanghai, China, 2019.

Talking about his overall appearance in the Men's Changquan number this time, Edgar said preparations for the 2023 SEA Games had been going on for quite a while, so he was able to perform optimally.

"When we talk about matches as a whole, there must be nothing completely perfect. There are many plus-minus, but we as athletes can only focus on each match. The opponents have also competed optimally and praised God, I competed optimally as well, without cutting points and could win gold, "he explained.

"Preparation for the SEA Games has been quite long and the training has been around for a long time since last year, and I think what has been trained so far can come out in this match," he added.

Edgar also presented the medals he got today to loved ones and the Indonesian people who have supported him so far.

"Dedication, definitely a lot. Because to achieve this is not only hard work from me, but also support from my family, coaches, friends, administrators, and the people of Indonesia," said Edgar.

"Without prayers and support from everyone, it is impossible for Edgar who is now, who can appear like now and can win gold. So this medal is for everyone who always supports me when I'm above and below," he continued.