Balinese powerlifter Ni Nengah Widiasih has won Indonesia’s first medal at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo.
Following her success, Widi says she’s hoping her silver in the women’s 41kg class will motivate the rest of the Indonesian delegation.
“For friends who are competing, I hope my medal will be motivation for you to continue fighting. I hope that the red-and-white will wave as many times as possible in Tokyo,” Widi said, referring to the Indonesian flag.
The 28-year-old polio survivor lifted 98 kilograms, only losing out to Guo Lingling of China, who set a new world record after pressing 108 kilograms. Meanwhile, Clara Sarahy Fuentes Monasterio of Venezuela, who lifted 97 kilograms, took the bronze.
Widi’s achievements throughout her athletic career include a bronze at the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro and another silver at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, both for powerlifting in the women’s 41kg class.
Twenty-three Indonesian athletes are competing in seven sports, including athletics, badminton, and table tennis, at the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, making this the largest delegation in the country’s paralympic history.
“I am very proud and happy, this is in line with my own personal goal, though I have to admit China is very strong,” Widi said.
If you’re keen on getting to know Widiasih and her backstory, including how she overcame polio and trained with all that she has to become a powerlifting superstar, check out our Coconuts TV episode on iFlix featuring the paralympian:
