Swimming Training Team Holds Hanoi SEA Games Preparation Time Trial

JAKARTA - The Indonesian swimming team that joined the national training center (Pelatnas) held a time trial. It was in preparation for the SEA Games Hanoi.

The time trial was held at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Stadium, Jakarta, on Monday, February 21. The activity was led directly by coach Michael Piper.

"The purpose of this time trial is to prepare athletes for competition, because currently there is no competition. So we improvise by regularly holding time trials, so athletes get used to the competitive atmosphere," said Piper in a statement received by VOI.

The swimming team has been undergoing training in preparation for the Hanoi SEA Games since early February. While the athletes are at the National Training Center, the coaching team routinely holds time trials every two weeks to find out the progress of the best time records of each athlete.

In this time trial, the coach tested the 4x100 meter medley relay number and mandatory 50 meter sprint for all swimmers. Meanwhile, Azzahra Permatahani specifically tested the 200-meter medley.

"Compared to the previous time trial, now there is progress, especially for the initial 50 meters everything is getting faster. It's just a matter of how to improve in the last 50 meters. We still have 12 weeks. This must be used," said Piper.

Besides Azzahra, other athletes who participated were Glen Victor Sutanto, I Gede Siman Sudartawa, Gagarin Nathaniel Yus, Aflah Fadlan Prawira, Farrel Armandio Tangkas, Joe Aditya, Andi Muhammad Nurizka, Erick Ahmad Fathoni, Reza Bayu Prasetyo, Patricia Yosita, AT Vannesae Evato, Flairene Candrea, and Angel Gabriele Yus.

Azzahra and friends will take part in a trial to the Singapore National Age Group (SNAG) Championship in Singapore on 17-21 March 2022. Prior to Singapore, PB PRSI will hold a final selection to determine the athletes who will defend Indonesia at the SEA Games later.

"The time trial this time was quite satisfying, especially in the backstroke. However, for the 200-meter medley I am not satisfied, I will continue to improve. The coach has his own way to continue to improve his abilities and I continue to learn it," said Azzahra.

The Hanoi SEA Games will take place from 12-30 May. The multi-pronged event throughout Southeast Asia was supposed to be held last year, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 virus.