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Indonesian swimming sensation Elysha Pribadi breaks three national records in Australia
The 15-year-old broke records in the girls’ 50 meter, 100 m and 200 m breaststroke, the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) announced on its official Instagram account, @pbprsi
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Elysha Chloe Pribadi. (PRSI/Handout)
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n the course of one month, rising Indonesian swimming star Elysha Chloe Pribadi has broken three national records at two championships in Brisbane, Australia.
The 15-year-old broke records in the girls’ 50 meter, 100 m and 200 m breaststroke, the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) announced on its official Instagram account, @pbprsi.
On Sunday, Elysha clocked a time of 02:37.56 in the 200 m race at the 2020 McDonald’s QLD Short Course Championship to win silver and smash a 14-year-old national record. Previously, Felicia Tjandra had owned the record with a time of 02:42.66 set in 2006.
A day before, Elysha won silver in the 100 m, recording a time of 01:10.56 to break the previous national record of 01:10.57 set by Ressa Kania Dewi in 2019.
Elysha also broke the 50 m national record while competing in the 2020 Speedo Short Course Meet on Aug. 29, clocking in at 33.12 seconds to beat Margareta Kreptadani’s record of 33.61 seconds set in 2013.
Elysha said 2020 had thrown up many challenges.
“This whole COVID-19 situation has troubled me, mentally and physically. My preparations over the past year were basically ruined, as I had to stop training for 10 weeks due to the pandemic in Australia,” Elysha said in a statement, adding that she did not have a pool at her house, which forced her to train on dry land.
In addition to the disruptions to her training, Elysha said she had also found online learning difficult.
“However, my faith and the support of my family have helped me through it all. [...] If I can do it, you can too. Please don’t give up,” she said in a statement, adding that she dreamed of representing Indonesia in the Olympics.
Meanwhile, PRSI deputy chief Harlin E. Rahardjo said the association had been monitoring the teenager’s performance since she competed at the 2019 Indonesia Open Aquatic Championship in Jakarta.
“Looking at the 2021 SEA [Southeast Asian] Games, the PRSI focuses on [grooming new talents]. These young talents are beginning to show their potential. Hopefully, Elysha’s achievements can push other young athletes to step up their game,” said Harlin.
