Two Indonesian weightlifters claim silver medals at Rio Olympics

Eko Yuli Irawan celebrates his triumph

We should all be proud of Sri Wahyuni Agustiani and Eko Yuli Irawan, the first two Indonesian weightlifters to clinch medals at the Rio Olympics!

Brilio.net/en - Sri Wahyuni Agustiani attained the first of Indonesias two medals after she displayed immeasurable strength at the 48KG weightlifting category, lifting a 192KG bar that was only surpassed by Tanasan Sopita from Thailand, who lifted 200KG. Earning the silver medal was an early birthday celebration for the weightlifter, who will be turning 22 in just a few days time.

Sri Wahyuni in action
2016 brilio.net/Stoyan Nenov

Alamsyah Wijaya , Sri Wahyunis manager, was extremely proud of the athlete's accomplishment. He spoke to the media, and said that Sri Wahyuni has made a lot of progress particularly after training in South Africa last month. Three of Indonesia'siconic figures from the sports industry showed off their support during this momentous occasion. They were the Youth and Sports Minister, Imam Nahrawi, Indonesian Olympic Committee chief, Erick Thohir and Chairman of the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI), Rosan Ruslani.

Meanwhile, Eko Yuli Irawan clinched his silver medal in the mens 62KG category. He lifted a whopping 312KG, and although he fell short of the gold medal by just 9KG, his achievement is undoubtedly a remarkable one. This is the highest position that he has ever reached in the Olympic Games, after winning Bronze medals in both the 2008 and 2012 competitions.

Eko Yuli Irawan in action
2016 brilio.net/Various Sources

Prior to the Olympic Games, the Indonesian government announced its promise to offer bonuses and pension allowances to the athletes who bring home the medals, as a means of encouragement and morale-booster. As for both silver medalists in this case, they will receive Rp 2 billion in bonuses and a monthly allowance of Rp 15 million each for the rest of their lives. An icing on the cake for them, indeed!

Congratulations Sri Wahyuni and Eko Yuli Irawan - may your successes be a ray of hope to all the other Indonesian athletes who are (and will be) competing at the Olympics, and an inspiration to all!

(brl/red)