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)