Lifter Indonesia Eko Yuli Apologizes For Failure To Present Gold

Indonesian senior lifter, Eko Yuli Irawan. (Photo: Doc. KOI)

JAKARTA - Indonesia's senior lifter, Eko Yuli Irawan, feels grateful to be able to present a silver medal for the Indonesian contingent at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Appearing at the International Forum Japan, Sunday, July 25, Eko, who fell in the men's 61 kilogram (kg) class, had to settle for second place with a total lift of 302 kg.

"I have tried my best to be the best. And, we must be grateful for the sustenance that has been given," said Eko Yuli Irawan in a written statement received by VOI.

"I apologize for not being able to present gold to Indonesia, as I have always wanted," he added.

Eko Yuli. (Photo: Doc. KOI)

In the match which was held at the Tokyo International Forum, Japan, Eko was already trying to win a gold medal from his toughest rival, Chinese lifter, Li Fabin.

It can be seen from Eko's efforts after successfully carrying out the first batch of Clean and Jerk weighing 165 kg. He decided to increase the weight up to 12 kg to 177 kg in the second lift.

However, Eko's appearance did not produce results until the third batch.

"After the success of the first batch of Clean and Jerk 165 kg, I did take the decision to increase the load to 172 kg. Because, in the Snatch class, I was already 4 kg apart from Li Fabin. I had to make that decision to open up the opportunity to win gold," said the man turned 32 years old on July 24 last.

Eko Yuli with Raja Sapta Oktohari. (Photo: Doc. KOI)

When asked to whom the silver medal was presented, Eko answered, for all Indonesian people and their families.

With the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Eko Yuli not only matched the achievements at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, but he also made history in Indonesia's weightlifting.

Eko Yuli is the only Indonesian athlete to win medals in four consecutive appearances at the Olympics. Because, he also won bronze medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the 2012 London Olympics.