Ruwiyati picks studies over SEA Games training
Ruwiyati picks studies over SEA Games training
JAKARTA (JP): Long-distance runner Ruwiyati has prioritized
her studies over joining the centralized training program for the
20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Pengalengan tea plantation in
West Java.
Alwi Mugiyanto, Ruwiyati's coach at the Lokomotif club in
Salatiga, Central Java, said on Saturday that Ruwiyati turned
down the offer from the Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association
(PASI) because she wanted to concentrate on her studies at Darul
Ulum Islamic Center Sudirman University (Undaris) in Ungaran,
Central Java.
Although she is not included on the Games team, Ruwiyati was
given the opportunity to train for the 10,000m, which is her
specialty along with the marathon, in Pengalengan. Indonesia
picked 1998 Asian Games gold medalist Supriati Sutono to compete
in the women's 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m in the biennial event
in Brunei Darussalam from Aug. 7 to Aug. 15.
PASI moved the training program for both middle and long
distance runners from Pengalengan to the Senayan Madya stadium
here early this month.
"Ruwiyati is concentrating on her studies at the law school at
Undaris. She considers her future is much more important than
anything else. Indonesian sports have yet to guarantee a bright
future," he was quoted as saying by Antara.
Alwi said that Ruwiyati would continue to pursue a career in
track.
He recommended the association allow its athletes to train in
their hometowns.
Alwi expressed confidence that Supriati, whom he trained
before she moved to Jambi, would not experience difficulties in
winning two golds in the 5,000m and 10,000m. He said that
Supriati's ability was more advanced other long distance runners
in the region.
Alwi said Indonesia would have been assured gold and silver in
the women's 10,000m if Supriati and Ruwiyati were selected.
Ruwiyati won the marathon in the Singapore Open on July 4.
Singapore's Teh Su Liang was second and Davamani from India
was third.
Alwi said the top three were invited to compete in an
international track and field meet in Trengganu, Malaysia, on
Sept. 5. He said the organizer would cover accommodation expenses
for the runners.(ivy)