Local lifters beat their opponents for four golds

By Christiany Tumelap

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia muscled its way past main rivals Thailand and the Philippines to pocket four gold medals in weight lifting yesterday.

The Philippine team had to settle for two silvers and a bronze, with Thailand bringing up the rear with a silver and bronze.

Indonesia's four lifters -- Sri Indriyani, Winarni, Hari Setiawan and Taufik -- also set seven SEA Games and junior world records between them.

Sri Indriyani, competing in the women's 46 kg class, lifted 77.5 kg in the snatch and 98 kg in the clean and jerk, establishing new Games and junior world records.

"I never thought I could break the records, because I was sure that Sanga Wangakiree of Thailand would be standing in my way," said Indriyani, who lifted a total of 175 kg.

Sanga, the former Games' record-holder, reportedly missed the event due to a problem in meeting the weight limit.

Indriyani broke the junior world record she set at the Junior Weight Lifting World Championships in Cape Town in May.

Winarni won the 50 kg category with a total lift of 190 kg. She cried for joy after breaking Games' records for the snatch with 85 kg, and the clean and jerk with 105 kg.

It was also a case of what might have been, as Winarni did not show up in time for her third attempt to lift 107.5 kg, a junior world record.

According to team manager A.M. Sampurna, there was miscommunication between team officials and event organizers.

"We are also disappointed, but the announcement for the third attempt was not very clear," Sampurna said.

Winarni was also upset.

"Of course, I'm very disappointed. That was my chance to make a new world record. If Indriyani can make a new world record, then why couldn't I? But I just ran out of time."

Male lifters Hari and Taufik won golds in the 54 kg and 59 kg respectively.

Hari lifted a total of 257.5 kg. He carved out a Games' record in the snatch with 112.5 kg, but could not do the same in the clean and jerk with his best lift of 145 kg.

Taufik, who lifted a total of 270 kg, broke Games' records in both the snatch (120 kg) and the clean and jerk (150 kg).

Coach Hari Wibowo said he was happy for his lifters, but believed they could achieve more.

"They did well. But we're not fully satisfied. Every athlete must break at least one SEA Games record, that's our goal."

He said athletes should concentrate on their sport and let coaches and team managers worry about other matters, including the possibility of sponsor bonuses and gifts for records.

Lifters agreed their main task was to compete.

"Thoughts of bonuses don't cross my when I'm competing," Indriyani said. "If I make a lift, that is enough."

As a world record-breaker, she is eligible to receive a new house and other rewards.