Hurtling to victory: Dedeh Erawati of Indonesia (left) clears a hurdle in the women’s 100-meter hurdles at the National Stadium, Vientiane, on Wednesday. Dedeh clocked 13.14 seconds to win the gold. JP/Arief Suhardiman
The Indonesian track and field squad struck three gold medals through Suryo Agung Wibowo, Dedeh Irawati and Agus Prayogo at the Main Stadium in Vientiane, Laos, on Wednesday.
Suryo started the gold rush in the men’s 200-meter dash as he came first in 20.85 seconds.
“Being focused on the race is the key to winning the gold. Be gelled with the track, which I regard as my soulmate,” said Suryo, who during preparation had been more focused on his 100-meter workout.
He won the 100 meters for his first gold by setting up both new national and SEA Games records.
In bagging his second, Suryo outran two Thai sprinters, S. Suwonprateep and S. Chimdee, who finished in 21.12 and 21.24 respectively.
The 26-year-old looked ahead for higher challenges. “I hope I can become the Asian champion one day.” His past challenge saw him just outside the podium during the recent Asian Games.
Suryo looks to his third medal, to emulate his past haul in Thailand 2007, when he runs in the men’s 4x100-meter relay on Thursday.
Dedeh Erawati, 31, joined the list of Indonesian gold winners in the women’s 100-meter hurdles, blitzing rival W. Punsoongneunas 13.34 seconds against the Thai’s 13.84.
“I am grateful I can win the gold again, but honestly I am a bit disappointed as I failed to break the record,” she said.
Dedeh made a personal best of 12.23 at the Asian Grand Prix in June in China, surpassing the SEA Games record of 12.85 held by Trecia Roberts of Thailand since Brunei 1999.
“She has come to Laos with the hopes to best her record by 12.20,” coach Kikin Ruhuddin said.
Kikin said he was keen to see Dedeh improve her Asian Championship run from third this year to second place next year.
Dedeh’s junior, 19-year-old Agustina Bawele finished third for the bronze in 14.21 seconds.
Indonesia also dominated the men’s 10,000-meter race with Agus Prayogo and Jauhari Johan taking the top two places, followed by B. Srisung of Thailand.
The champion clocked 29 minutes and 51.40 seconds. The runner up made 30:10.52 while Srisung made 30:25.75.
“I was well prepared for the race. I was expecting this gold,” said Agus, who skipped the 5,000-meter race on Tuesday due to an admin slip-up.
“I felt like crying to find my name was not on the participant list,” he was quoted by Antara as saying.
“I don’t know how it happened. What made me disappointed most is I have better record than the 5,000 winner.”
In the women’s long jump, Maria Natalia Londa could only grab the bronze. The gold was won by Marrestella Torres of the Philippines and the silver by T. Muangjan of Thailand.
Thailand was still the dominant force on the track and field, collecting 10 gold medals. Indonesia and Philippines shared six each, followed by Vietnam (5), Malaysia (3), Myanmar (2) and Singapore (1).
