Meitri quits SEA Games training

Meitri quits SEA Games training

JAKARTA (JP): National swimmer Meitri Widya Pangestika,groomed
for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, finally decided
to quit the training center to pursue her studies in the United
States.

"Meitri is focusing on completing her studies at the Salem
International University and has hardly had any training sessions
since December last year," Meitri's father Widjarnako was quoted
as saying by Antara news agency from Purwokerto, Central Java.

"We cannot rely only on swimming skills and technique to
compete in a multisports event such as SEA Games but continuous
training is also needed. Meitri has not had any training sessions
for about four months."

Widjanarko, who is also chairman of Purwokerto-based Bina
Taruna swimming Club, said her resignation also enabled younger
swimmers to compete in national events.

"Meitri has submitted her resignation letter to the Indonesian
Swimming Federation (PRSI) in response to the organization's
letter questioning her status in the training center," he said.

"She would also resign from the National Games (PON) but she
would still defend Banyumas regency in the Central Java Games."

Secretary of PRSI's Central Java chapter, FD Hartadi Nurjojo,
said the resignation would hamper Indonesia's hopes of achieving
more medals from swimming.

"Meitri had quite a chance in her specialization, 50-meter and
400-meter freestyle events. The resignation means our women's
swimmers would have to work hard to contribute any medals."

PRSI aims to take home six of the 32 golds at stake from
swimming. Aquatic sports alone offer 43 golds. (nvn)