Jonatan Christie (JP/Seto Wardha)

Despite having trained for a short amount of time, Indonesian young gun Jonatan Christie won gold in badminton after beating Thailand’s Khosit Phetpradab 21-19, 21-10 at the recently concluded 2017 SEA Games.

He revealed that he spent only two weeks preparing for the Games, following his participation at the New Zealand Open tournament, early this month.

“Each opponent was tough, especially the Thai and Malaysian shuttlers. That was why I went all out from the beginning,” Jonatan, who turns 20 on Sept. 15, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

The world number 22 was the only Indonesian shuttler in singles or doubles that advanced to a finals match. Some compatriots were eliminated in earlier rounds, while others, such as Edy Subaktiar and Rosyita Eka Putri, were hospitalized due to injuries suffered during matches.

Not including team competition, Jonatan secured Indonesia’s lone gold, taking the men’s singles title.

Throughout his competitive journey, Jonatan has shown gratitude, setting aside 10 percent of all his bonuses and rewards for the needy. In addition to God, he has attributed his success to those who have helped him along the way, including his family.

Jonatan recalled having been dragged into the sporting world by his father, Andreas Adi Siswa, a former amateur basketball player and soccer player in the 1980s.

Jonatan said that all family members, including his grandmother from his father’s side, have supported his efforts since childhood, which gave him confidence about pursuing sports.

His father first familiarized Jonatan, his second son, with soccer and basketball before introducing him to badminton at the age of six. With approval from his mother, Marlanti Djaja, Jonatan dedicated himself to training in the sport.

However, training was sometimes frustrating for Jonatan, who at times grew bored of the process.

But his father was always there to encourage him.

After years of practice, Jonatan joined the Tangkas badminton club to sharpen his skills. Later, he was called up to participate in the national training camp.

In 2009, Jonatan made his acting debut in “King,” an Indonesian badminton film.

He then earned his first international junior title after beating Alamsyah Yunus at the Indonesia International Challenge in 2013.

Jonatan has won several medals representing Indonesia in the men’s team category, including gold at the 2015 SEA Games, silver at the 2016 Thomas Cup and bronze at the 2015 Sudirman Cup.

When asked about his future plans, Jonatan said he could not think of anything better than what he was already a part of.

“I still have at least 10 years of being a shuttler, and I will enjoy the ride,” he said.

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