TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian athlete Lalu Muhammad Zohri met President Joko Widodo or Jokowi at Bogor Presidential Palace today, July 18. Jokowi invited Zohri after winning the U-20 Athletic World Championship in Finlandia.

The sprinter from Lombok seemed happy when he met Jokowi, whom he admires. Jokowi corrected his statement. “The man of the hour is not me, but Zohri. He is a great man,” said the President.

Read: Jokowi on Zohri`s Victory: Motivation for Gold at Asian Games

President Jokowi views the the 18-year-old sprinter as a great man because, despite his limitations, he worked hard to achieve the title as the world champion. “This is an achievement that makes all people are proud of Zohri,” he added.

Zohri is currently under the limelight media attentions after he defeated United States athletes Anthony Schwartz and Eric Harrison, South African sprinter Thembo Monareng, and British athlete Dominic Ashwell. Zohri succeeded to win the gold medal, although he was at the outer position during the race. He managed to finish the race in 10.18 seconds.

Read: President Jokowi Rewards 100m Sprinter Lalu Muhammad Zohri

The story of Zohri went viral on social media. He came from a poor family. Reports said his house at West Pemenang Village, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, almost collapsed. President Jokowi later asked the Public Housing and Public Works Ministry to renovate Zohri’s house.

During his visit to the Presidential Palace, Lalu Muhammad Zohri was interviewed by President Jokowi regarding his training and life in Finland. Jokowi further asked Zohri to remain humble and keep training. The president hopes Zohri can achieve more in upcoming the Asian Games in August.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI