INTERNATIONAL – Indonesia has long been striving for its first Olympic gold medal in weightlifting, after securing seven silver and eight bronze medals in previous Games. The nation’s hopes are high as it fields a promising team, led by Rizki Juniansyah, the gold medallist at this year’s Weightlifting World Cup. At just 21 years old, Rizki is set to make his Olympic debut and is already a world record holder, having lifted a total of 365kg. This feat surpassed the previous world record of 364kg, set by Chinese lifter Shi Zhiyong during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the same 73kg men’s weightlifting category.
Rizki’s journey to the Olympics has been driven by his childhood dream, inspired by former weightlifters like Mas Triyatno and his own father, who was a weightlifter himself. “I want to win a gold medal at the Olympics. With God’s grace, I hope to make history for Indonesia,” he shared. His goal is to not only compete but to bring home the gold and solidify his place in Indonesia’s weightlifting legacy.
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The Indonesian weightlifting team for the upcoming Games also includes Nurul Akmal, the only woman in the squad. Hailing from a small village in Aceh, Nurul is a role model for many, having finished fifth at the Tokyo Olympics. Her journey has been challenging, as weightlifting is traditionally seen as a male-dominated sport, and women in Aceh are typically expected to focus on household responsibilities. Despite initial resistance from her parents, Nurul was able to gain their support and has become a source of pride for them, hoping to inspire more women in Indonesia to pursue weightlifting and compete at the highest level.
Another key member of the team is Eko Yuli Irawan, a seasoned athlete who may be nearing the end of his Olympic career. Eko’s first Olympic appearance was in 2008, where he won a bronze medal at just 18 years old. Since then, he has participated in four consecutive Olympic Games, earning a medal in each one, making him Indonesia’s most decorated Olympic weightlifter. At 35, Eko reflects on his career and acknowledges that this may be his final Olympic appearance. However, he is determined to end his journey with a memorable performance, regardless of the outcome.
Behind the athletes, coach Muhammad Rusli plays a vital role in the team’s preparation. His primary goal is to guide the team toward achieving that elusive gold medal, but he also takes on the role of a mentor and emotional support system for the lifters. “At the training ground, we are coaches, but outside of training, we become their parents, older siblings, and sometimes even friends. It’s crucial to support them holistically,” Rusli explains.
With a combination of seasoned athletes and fresh talent, Indonesia’s weightlifting team is determined to make history at the upcoming Olympics. Their dedication, passion, and hard work have set them on a path toward a potential gold medal, an achievement that would be a significant milestone for the nation’s sports legacy.
