Tae kwon doin Juana ready to fight despite injury

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian taekwondoin Juana Wangsa Putri has her sights set on winning a medal at the Sydney Olympic Games despite a back injury that limits her movement.

"Of course I want to win a medal, but all of my competitors are good athletes. I can only do my best as it is quite difficult to predict the strength of my opponents. There will only be four classes in the Olympics, four less than the original eight classes," Juana said at the Atlet Century Park Hotel in Senayan.

"I won't underestimate my rivals. I learned a lot from my defeats during my preparations (for the Olympics)," she said.

The National Sports Council (KONI) believes Juana, the 1998 Asian Games bronze medalist, can win a bronze medal at the Olympics.

Competing in the 49-kilogram division, Juana identified Kay Po of the United States as her toughest rival. Po defeated Juana in the semifinals of an Olympic qualifying tournament in Croatia last year. The 23-year-old Indonesian also said taekwondoins from Chinese Taipei and host Australia would provide tough competition.

"I don't really know the athletes from the lighter fin classes," said Juana, who had to lose two kilograms to be able to compete in the 49-kilogram division.

"Fortunately the weight loss wasn't too much so I'm already in good condition. Weight loss can affect your performance and power," she said. "That's why I had to reduce my weight gradually."

Having just returned from overseas training in South Korea, Juana expressed optimism she had improved her technical skills and physical fitness.

"I returned on Aug. 27 after a two-month training session at Yong In University, which is located about a one-hour drive from Seoul. I polished my skills and speed, and also learned new kicking techniques," she said.

"In total, I have spent nine months training in Korea since November last year. The first stint in November was so I could undergo physical training during the winter. In March we started a training program to improve my technical skills.

"The university is one of the best centers for tae kwon do. Several countries sent their athletes to the university during my stay," she said.

Taekwondoins from Japan, Spain, the United States and Chinese Taipei traveled to the university to train.

Juana said her time in South Korea was very helpful in developing her skills.

"It's tae kwon do's land of origin. There are a lot of good taekwondoins. There are 25 women athletes at Yong In University alone, while it's difficult to find good training partners here (in Indonesia)," she said.

Juana, however, is still concerned by a back injury she suffered in the 1998 Asia Pacific tournament in Vietnam.

"I didn't take it seriously until 1999 when I felt a terrible pain in my back. But it's already healing and I still undergo physical therapy to treat the injury.

"All I have to do is be careful about my movements, although I have reached my maximum training peak," Juana said. (nvn/yan)