W

inning, losing, competing and failing to compete are all part of being an athlete.

Synchronized swimmer Adela Amanda Nirmala is aware of that, although moving on after being unable to compete in the National Games, the most prestigious multi-sport event in the country, has been quite bumpy.

Adela, who is representing Jakarta in the Games, was denied participation in the women’s division on Thursday as the competition’s regulations limit the age of participants to 26 years old. Adela is 28.

Adela and her team were certain that they were being “treated unfairly”, while the organizers stood firm with their decision.

The organizers put the blame on the Jakarta team for failing to fully understand the regulations.

With teary eyes, the two-time gold medalist in the 2012 Games in Riau, said the disappointment was among the biggest in her life.

Nevertheless, Adela was ready to move on.

“[The incident gave me] clearer vision. I entrust all of these experiences to God. I know God has plans behind this,” Adela told The Jakarta Post recently.

Adela said she relied on God to settle the storm of emotions and, thankfully, she had also received support from her coach, teammates and loved ones. The Jakarta team decided to walk out of the competition shortly after Adela’s rejection.

Adela said she was waiting for further instructions from the team manager about her next steps in the Games. While waiting, she carried on with her training routine.

Adela discovered the sport at an early age when she took a swimming lesson. Adela fell in love with synchronized swimming after discovering the charming side of the sport, which involves

similar movements to ballet, a dance style that she also likes.

So far, the alumna of Chinese Literature at Bina Nusantara University has also participated in the 2008 Games in East Kalimantan and 2011 Southeast Asia Games in Indonesia.

Aside from swimming, Adela busies herself with religious activities at the St. Christoforus Catholic Church in Jakarta. Training little children at her church to help run masses, is one of her duties.

When asked about her plan after the Games, Adela admitted that she was still in the dark about her future in swimming.

“I plan to marry soon. So, it will be the decision of me and my husband later on,” said Adela on her future career in the sport.