A Simple Dream Of Runner Sri Maya Sari After Winning A Medal And Breaking A National Record In Kazakhstan

Indonesian running athlete, Sri Maya Sari. (Photo via Antara/PASI)

JAKARTA - An Indonesian track athlete, Sri Maya Sari, has made a proud achievement. She won a medal and also broke a national record when she appeared at the 10th Asian Indoor Athletics Championships (AIAC) in Kazakhstan, February 10-12.

The athlete from Musi Banyuasin, South Sumatra, succeeded in winning a bronze medal as well as breaking the national record for indoor running in the 400 meters.

Sri Maya Sari successfully recorded a time of 54.88 seconds. The national record for indoor running was previously held by Herlince Tatogo with a time of 57.01 seconds. These results were recorded at the 2005 World Championships in Athletics.

"Of course, this is an experience for me, which is the first time to represent Indonesia in this event (the 10th AIAC) and being able to break the national record for indoor running according to the initial target," said Sri Maya, as quoted by Antara.

This member of the Army Women's Corps with the rank of Sergeant (K) in Kumdam II/Sriwijaya admitted that apart from praying for the blessing of her parents, the moral support of the people of the country, physical fitness is the key to success in achieving proud achievements.

Under the tutelage of a team of trainers from PASI, Sri made full preparations to break this record through a rigorous training program since May 2022 or a few weeks after the Vietnam SEA Games.

She realized that without excellent physical and moral support it would be quite impossible for her to be on the podium. What's more, she continued, in the 10th AIAC, they had to compete against world-class athletes in the midst of extreme weather in Kazakhstan which reached -9 to -17 degrees Celsius.

"The challenge is that I have to adjust to the very cold here. Thank God I'm fit, so everything can be overcome. So it's extraordinary, to be able to bring the name of Indonesia to compete with world athletes," she added.

After this, there are goals that Sri wants to achieve again. She hopes to be called to join the National Training Center to fight for Indonesia at the SEA Games in Cambodia.

"Including maintaining achievements for South Sumatra in the 2024 PON," said Sri.