Indonesian swimmers aim to be number one in Asia

Indonesian swimmers aim to be number one in Asia

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian swimmer Richard Sam Bera expressed
hope that the national men's 4x100m relay team would be able to
reach its ambitious goal to be the best in Asia.

"Our best time in the 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in
Brunei Darussalam in August was three minutes and 27.69 seconds.
The current number one team, Japan, is only one second faster
than us. If we can be Asia's number one, I think we can be the
world's number six," said Richard, while having dinner with the
Indonesian Swimming Federation's (PRSI) new chairman, Rahardi
Ramelan, on Monday.

The men's team comprises of Richard, Wisnu Wardhana and the
twins Albert and Felix Christiadi Sutanto.

Richard said the team aimed to finished third in the Asian
Championships in Pusan, South Korea, in March and also qualify
for the 2000 Olympic Games in the A time limit of 3:25.00.

The team will compete in one of the Grand Prix series in Hong
Kong on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9.

"When we return home from Hong Kong, we will focus our
attention on sprint events, especially the twins, as they are
still swimming in the 400 meters," said 27-year-old Richard.

Richard said his main problem was finding the time to practice
as he works as a business consultant for the National Development
and Planning Board (Bappenas).

"I have to start training at 5.30 in the morning before going
to the office at 8.00. I then have to practice at 5.30 after
working hours. I only have days off at the weekends. To be frank,
I'm a bit worried about my physical condition," he said, without
any intention of complaining.

Teammate Wisnu said he wanted to continue his training in the
United States as he hadn't finished his final term studies.

"It's better to train in the United States because there are
more rivals and competitions. Besides, I still have to finish my
studies at a college in Salem, West Virginia," he said.

Albert shared the same ideas about training in the United
States.

"It's more fun and we feel more competitive. Here, there are
only four or five of us training in the Senayan swimming pool.
It's not cheerful," he said.

Separately, diving coach Harly Ramayani said that Shenny Ratna
Amalia, who has qualified for the Olympics, would also compete in
the Asian Championships.

"Prior to the championships, we will send Shenny to compete in
the world championships in Sydney at the end of January. After
that, she will take part in a six-week training camp in Beijing
before competing in Pusan," she said.

Harly said she believed Shenny would learn a valuable lesson
at the training camp.

"By having short-time training in Beijing, I really hope that
Shenny will be able to reach the Olympic semifinals," she said,
adding that PRSI had agreed to finance the competition and
training program. (yan)