Nunung's gold shines in dim Indonesia's athletics showing
Nunung's gold shines in dim Indonesia's athletics showing
By Primastuti Handayani
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (JP): Pole-vaulter Nunung Jayadi's record-
breaking performance on Wednesday delivered Indonesia from its
nightmarish showing in the Southeast Asian Games track and field
competition.
The 21-year-old high school graduate braved heavy rain which
drenched the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium to clear 5.05
meters, eclipsing by 15 centimeters the mark set by Edward
Lasquette of the Philippines four years ago in Chiang Mai,
Thailand.
Nunung's victory brought Indonesia's haul in athletics to a
paltry five, far behind Thailand, which stamped its authority in
the event with 20 golds, and regular powerhouse Malaysia with 12.
The day's other meet record tumbled in the men's 4x100m relay,
which was won by the Thai quartet of Kongdech Natenee, Vissanu
Sophanich, Reanchai Srihavong and Sittichai Suwonprateep in 39.11
seconds, shaving 26 hundredths of a second off their own record.
A total of eight SEA Games records were broken in four days of
competition.
Indonesia expected to win another gold from Supriati Sutono,
who was seeking a trio of medals in the women's 1,500m, 5,000m
and 10,000m to match her feat at the 1997 Games. However, she was
hobbled by a nagging foot injury and forced to withdraw while in
the lead.
In her absence, Chinese-born Malaysian Yuan Yu Fang won the
gold in a sub-par 34:15.34. Viraiwan Kumpitak of Thailand, the
only runner left in the race, took the silver in a time of
38:32.73.
The Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) technical
director, Paulus Lay, said the injury was not serious but could
affect Supriati's preparations for the World Championships in
Seville, Spain, next month.
"It will take her only about four days to recover. But as soon
as she arrives in Jakarta, she will have to see a specialist.
Maybe she suffered the injured because she ran in very heavy
rain."
After Nunung failed in his first attempt to clear 4.80
meters,his coach Hadi Wacono suggested he move a foot back for
his second attempt, which was successful.
Victory lap
As soon as he was declared gold medalist and new Games record-
holder, Nunung ran a victory lap, bearing the red-and-white flag
in front of Indonesian supporters. National Sports Council (KONI)
chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar joined the victory celebration.
"I was a bit tense today because I was expected to win the
gold. I am glad I could accomplish my objective," he said.
Obiena Emerson of the Philippines took the silver (4.85m) and
the bronze went to Somauom Anun of Thailand (4.80m).
In the women's 800m, defending champion Ester Sumah of
Indonesia was edged by Khanh Doan Pham Dinh of Vietnam in the
final five meters. Ester finished 1.68 seconds behind the
Vietnamese, who clocked 1:50.52 for the gold.
Indonesian veteran long-distance runner Eduardus Nabunome
showed his best years were behind him by finishing second to
Malaysia's Murusamy Ramachandran in the 5,000m. Nabunome was also
beaten by the Malaysian opponent in the 10,000m on Monday.
The Indonesian women's 4x100m relay team of Yolanda Worsiwari,
Irene Joseph, Yatin Saputro and Dedeh Erawati had to be content
for the silver behind Thailand who clocked 44.85 seconds.
Thailand won all four relay gold medals at stake on Wednesday.
Coach Paulus said he was pleased with the outcome because the
team met its target of five golds.
"But we are alert to the rapid progress shown by other teams.
We will start scouting young talented athletes from across the
country and send regular members of the national team for long-
term overseas training stints," he said.