Quality swimmers are getting scarce

Quality swimmers are getting scarce

From Koran Tempo

Having observed the achievements of Indonesian swimmers now, I, as a sports lover, have reason to feel deeply worried.

The Southeast Asia (SEA) Games are in the offing and we have to be aware of the fact that we have not seen senior swimmers being usurped by their junior "brothers".

These little brothers are expected to become swimmers of the next generation in defending Indonesia's contingent taking part in SEA Games events.

With Richard Sam Bera, Albert and Felix Susanto participating in the National Swimming Competition held on May 10 to May 12, 2001, it was hoped that the three prominent swimmers were able to boost the spirits of younger swimmers. The competition, however, was more a barometer indicating how difficult it is to find their replacements.

As they are engaged in a measurable sport, we should let them join in such competitions until we have better swimmers. Remember Alexander Popov -- a 30-year-old, world class swimmer who still made accomplishments at the Olympic Games?

The scarcity of quality swimmers in Indonesia now may be attributed to the elimination of swimming courses from the elementary and secondary school curricula.

In the 1970's, there was a swimming course for the final exams (now the National Final Stage Examination). This activity made parents encourage their children to swim well and the positive results of which were that our country was able to produce good swimmers for the SEA Games.

If we observe this phenomenon, wouldn't it be better for the Indonesian National Sports Council and other related institutions to include swimming courses as part of the curriculum? At least there are some advantages: students become healthy, have less chance of "getting to know" drugs, or being involved in brawls and other harmful activities.

May this simple suggestion become a reality.

HERU PURWANTO

Jakarta