Eko Yuli Irawan Apologizes for Medal-Less Paris Olympics Performance
Translator
Editor
8 August 2024 07:47 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian weightlifting stalwart Eko Yuli Irawan extended a public apology and expressed disappointment after failing to clinch a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the 61 kg category on Wednesday, August 7.
“I apologize to the Indonesian people for being unable to present a medal. But I gave it my all,” Eko said in a press release from the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI) received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Eko struggled during the snatch attempts. He successfully lifted 135 kg on the second attempt but failed in the first and third (139 kg). His clean and jerk attempts of 162 kg were also unsuccessful. He even fell in the final failed lift and had discomfort in his right thigh.
Eko attributed his subpar performance to a lingering leg injury. “[I've had] knee issues since last year, and also my right thigh [has been injured] for the past month,” he explained.
Indonesian team doctor Andhika Raspati clarified that the injury was not severe and that he could walk despite limping after the competition. “His condition is not that bad, he can still walk,” he said.
Indonesian Chef de Mission (CdM) Responds
The Chef de Mission (CdM) of the Indonesian contingent, Anindya Bakrie, lauded Eko's efforts and acknowledged his apology. “We witnessed his determination. Eko is a veteran athlete who competed against younger opponents. We appreciate his participation in his fifth Olympics,” she said.
Eko Yuli Irawan is a four-time Olympian. The weightlifter who was born in Lampung previously earned a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, followed by another bronze in the 2012 London Olympics. He claimed silver at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics and repeated the achievement in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, the gold medal in the men's 61 kg category went to China's Li Fabin with a total lift of 310 kg, followed by Thailand's Theerapong Silachai in second and the United States' Morris Hampton in third.
ANTARA
Editor's Choice: 5 Interesting Facts About Boy Pohan, Paris 2024 Olympics Boxing Referee from Indonesia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
