TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Norwegian ambassador to Indonesia, Stig Ingemar Traavik, turns out to have an interesting activity out of office hours –judo. Apparently, he was the Norwegian national Judo representative at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and six times Norwegian Judo champion between 1987 and 1996. Most recently in 2011, he won a bronze medal in the world championship for seniors.
He achieved all this while he studying political science and history at university and pursuing a diplomatic career. In Afghanistan, where he spent his longest diplomatic post from 2002 to 2007, he was a coach and senior advisor to the Afghan National Olympic Judo team from 2003 to 2004. This year, he is contesting the European Championship Veterans for old boys (45 to 50 years age group) and 73 kg weight class, in Paris from June 13 to 16.
"I have been doing it for 37 years, ever since I followed my friend to train Judo when I was nine. Judo has been part of my life but not all my life," Ambassador Stig told Tempo during a break in his Friday night training with the Jakarta team at the Kelapa Gading Judo Stadium.
Since he arrived in Indonesia to take up his diplomatic post in 2012, he often trains with the Indonesian national team. "I had trained with the Yogjakarta and Solo city teams during my visit. When I visit other cities, one of the important missions for my secretary is to find the local Judo team to train with," said Stig with a smile.
A black belt-level four Judo athlete, Stig welcomed training with teenage Judo athletes. "On the mat, everyone is equal. In this stadium, nobody notices that I am a dubes (ambassador), unless I mention it. I enjoy the opportunity to mingle with local people," he said.
SEULKI LEE
