Supplements credited for athletes' success
Supplements credited for athletes' success
Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The use of nutritional supplements this year is credited with boosting the performance of national athletes, with one breaking a national record and several others improving their personal bests.
Oliva Sadi improved the national 1,500 meter mark from the 4:21.50 seconds set by Supriati Sutono in 1997 to 4:19.48 in the recent National Athletics Championships here.
Women's sprinter Deisye Sumigar triumphed in the 100 meters at the same event in 11.73 seconds, a personal best although still off Irene Joseph's national record of 11.56.
Long distance runners Ferry Subnafeu and Yahuza, 800 meter runner Akrin and Kristian Lumban Tobing, who competes in walking races, have also reportedly made significant progress under the program, providing vitamin and mineral supplements.
In recognition of their achievements, Deisye received two bonuses of Rp 3 million (US$300) from PT Amway Indonesia, the producer of the vitamin supplement, while Oliva received Rp 3 million, Akrin a combined bonus of Rp 5 million, and Ferry, Yahuza and Kristian Rp 2 million each.
"It was hard at the beginning to persuade the athletes to take the supplements. But now athletes want to take them because they see that vitamins help them improve their performance," said Ermita Ilyas, head of the medical commission of the Athletics Association of Indonesia (PASI), during a presentation ceremony on Wednesday.
She said the supplements were important to meet the athletes' nutritional needs during heavy training. "During such training, athletes usually lose their appetite," she said.
PASI secretary-general Tigor Tandjung said the use of vitamins free of illegal substances provided a significant benefit for the athletes.
"This vitamin program will be continued along with proper training and development programs," he said.
Earlier on Wednesday, PASI chief Mohamad "Bob" Hasan said PASI would maintain its long-term plan to develop athletics, which is based on ensuring that prospective athletes meet specific height and physical requirements.
Bob presented seven young athletes from North Sumatra, Aceh, Jakarta and West Java who have met the requirements.
They are Trevi Giana (1.65m tall), Farrel O (1.69m), Moh Ridwan (1.91m), Bobby Ertanto (1.81m), Aminuddin S (1.87m), Hasrizal (1.84m) and Nurul U (1.68m).
"These young athletes are only a few examples, as we have some 150 boys's and girls' athletes respectively across the country under our talent scouting program," Bob said.