"we are proud that Zohri, an Indonesian athlete, has made a high achievement in winning the championship," President Jokowi remarked in a written statement received here on Friday.
Zohri managed to beat two runners from the United States by clocking a time of 10.18 seconds. He narrowly won over Anthony Schwartz and Eric Harrison, who both recorded a time of 10.22 seconds.
According to the president, Zohri`s achievement would be the start for Indonesia to achieve success in future events, including the 2018 Asian Games.
This achievement of Zohri marks a new page in the history of Indonesia`s athletic sports. Earlier, Indonesia had recorded the best achievement in the 100-meter run at the same championship in 1986 by finishing 8th in the preliminary round.
Zohri, who was born on July 1, 2000, is ready to compete in the 18th Asian Games to be held in Jakarta and Palembang next month.
Zohri comes from a modest family whose house is located in Karang Pangsor Hamlet in Pemenang Barat Village, North Lombok District in West Nusa Tenggara Province.
In a video obtained from Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Zohri himself expressed his gratitude for the President`s support.
"Thanks a lot for the prayers of Mr. President and all the people of Indonesia," said Zohri, who did aspire to renovate his rickety house in his hometown if he has achieved success.
Reporting by Desca Lidya Natalia
(T.SYS/A/O001/O001)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
