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)