Eki Febri Erawati, Was Shocked From Canceled To Perform To Win Indonesia's First Gold Medal In Athletics

Indonesian women's shot put athlete, Eki Febri Erawati, won the 2021 SEA Games gold medal. (Photo: Instagram @timindonesiaofficial)

JAKARTA - Athletics finally broke the egg. The first gold medal in this sport was won on Tuesday, 17 May.

The first gold was donated by the shot put athlete Eki Febri Erawati. He recorded a throw of 15.20 meters while performing at the Hanoi National Sports Complex, Hanoi, Vietnam.

She beat two Thai athletes, Areerat Intadis and Athima Saowaphaiboon. Areerat won the silver medal with a long throw of 15.04 meters. While Athima won bronze with a long throw of 12.51 meters.

After sealing the gold medal, Eki Febri was immediately emotional. She ran to the stands and took the Red and White flag.

It's natural that Eki Febri is so happy to win the 2021 SEA Games gold medal. The reason is, she almost canceled her appearance in Vietnam.

The shot put sport had previously been canceled due to lack of participants. Eki Febri's dream to return to presenting a medal for Indonesia was extinguished.

Eki Febri was depressed when she heard the news that the women's shot put was canceled. Moreover, he has prepared himself optimally to be able to appear at the biennial sports party in the Southeast Asia region.

"From the start, I really wanted to be a champion again. So, when there was news on D-9 ahead of the competition, it was a shock," said Eki Febri, in a written statement.

"I feel confused and indecisive. But it is recommended to go first, and right on D-1 before leaving, I will be informed that my number will be competed. In fact, six athletes from five countries will participate," she continued.

The Executive Board of the Indonesian Athletics Association (PB PASI) then fought to keep this number contested. The Asian Athletics Association also stepped in.

The results did not disappoint, the organizers of the 2021 SEA Games (VIESGOC) finally melted. They agreed that the women's shot put and the men's hammer throw, which had also been canceled, would continue to be contested even though only two countries participated.

Eki Febri also paid for PB PASI's struggle. The gold medal was presented again, having previously won the same result at the 2017 SEA Games Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.