TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian badminton star Gregoria Mariska Tunjung secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics under unexpected circumstances. After a heartbreaking semifinal loss to world number one An Seyoung, she was set to compete for bronze against Carolina Marin. However, Marin's withdrawal due to a knee injury awarded Gregoria the medal without a match.

Gregoria expressed mixed emotions about the situation, acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her medal win. “I was stretching when I heard about Marin's injury. It's difficult to feel happy under someone else's misfortune. I'm frankly grateful for the medal, but it's not that ‘happy’,” said the athlete who is currently ranked eighth in the world.

This bronze marks Indonesia's first medal at the Paris Olympics and the first for Indonesian women's singles since Maria Kristin's bronze in 2008. The win also maintains Indonesia's impressive record of securing a medal whenever a women's singles player reaches the semifinals.

Women's singles coach Herli Djaenudin attributed the success to the entire team's efforts. “We're grateful for Jorji's (Gregoria's) bronze,” he said.

Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) Chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari and Chef de Mission Anindya Bakrie expressed their joy at the country's first medal at the Paris Olympics.

“Thank God, BWF has officially announced that Jorji or Gregoria Mariska has officially won the women's singles bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics,” said Raja Sapta.

He and Anindya Bakrie congratulated Gregoria on her well-deserved medal, praising her resilience and determination. They also expressed sympathy for Carolina Marin's injury.

“I regret Marin's injury, hopefully, she recovers quickly. We look forward to the medal ceremony tomorrow,” said Anindya Bakrie.

ARKHELAUS WISNU TRIYOGO

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