Gold rush in track and field, roller skating

Indonesia raced away with a haul of eight gold medals in the track and field and roller skating competitions at Jakabaring Sports City on Saturday.

The Indonesian gold rush at the athletics stadium included surprise dual victories in the prestigious men’s and women’s 100 meters sprint, thanks to Franklin Ramses Buruni (10.37 seconds) and Serafi Anelis Unani (11.69 seconds).
New record holder: Filipina long jumper Marestella Torres hits the sand during the final of the women’s long jump competition of the 26th SEA Games at the Athletics Stadium in Jakabaring, Palembang, South Sumatra, on Saturday. Torres leaped 6.71 meters to win the gold and broke her own SEA Games record of 6.68 meters, which she set in the 2009 Games in Laos. JP/Nurhayati

Both young sprinters said they were happy and surprised by their contribution to their team’s campaign at the Games.

“Honestly, I never expected this. I’m still surprised. It has been unbelievable. I’m really grateful for God’s help, because without Him, I wouldn’t be able to reach this far,” said Serafi, 22.

“I dedicate this victory to my family and [the Indonesian Field and Track Association chief] Bob Hasan, and everyone in the association for their full support.”

Palembang marks Serafi’s fourth appearance at the Games, but she was previously a member of the relay squad. “This is my first time to compete in the 100-meter event,” she said.

Games’ first-timer Franklin was proud of being able to live up to the athletic association’s trust in him.

“PASI was a bit doubtful about me, yet I proved that I could do it,” said the 20-year-old.

Bob said the young sprinters’ victories showed efforts at regeneration were successful. “Young people need trust. If you give them trust, I believe they can do their best,” he said.

Franklin is tipped as the successor to compatriot Suryo Agung Wibowo, who was known as the fastest man in Southeast Asia with his 10.17 record set in Laos two years ago.

Long-distance runner Triyaningsih achieved her goal of collecting her third-successive women’s 10,000 meters gold in a time of 34 minutes, 52.74 seconds.  Pham Thi Binh and Pham Thi Hien of Vietnam took silver and bronze respectively.

“I thank all the parties that have supported me this far, the sports community and the media. I’m really happy to be able to make this hat trick,” Triyaningsih, 24, said after the race.

The gold medalist in Thailand in 2007 and Laos in 2009 is looking to continue her winning ways in the 5,000-m and marathon events.

“I believe all the competitors trained hard for the race, so I won’t belittle them,” she said modestly.

Indonesia’s fourth and final athletics gold of the day was contributed by Rini Budiarti, 28, in the women’s 3,000-m steeplechase.

At age 30, Filipina long jumper Torres Marestella broke her own SEA Games record of 6.68-m with her best leap of 6.71-m from Vientiane.

At the roller skating venue, Indonesia made a clean sweep of the four gold medals in the first day of competition.

Ajeng Anindya triumphed in the women’s 5,000-m points, Muhammad Oky Andri in the men’s 5,000-m points, Allan Chandra in men’s 300-m individual time trial and Devina Pramudita in the women’s 300-m individual time trial.

Allan hoped that the victorious Indonesian roller skating would continue in the event. “I really wish we all could bring the country’s roller skating into a higher place in the world.”