Besides winning gold in the women`s T42/63 100-metre-run, she also grabbed the silver medal in the women`s T42-44/61-64 long jump.
"I did not like running at first. I preferred playing badminton. But when I tried it during the regional Paralympic Week, I found myself to be enjoying it. That was the beginning I tried my luck in athletics," the 17-year old said, after the competition at the Glora Bung Karno Sports Stadium (GBK) in Senayan Jakarta, on Wednesday.
Despite having weakness in her left leg, it did not reduce her spirit to emerge as the Indonesian women sprinter in the para athletic event.
"The strength of my right and left leg is different. My left leg is weaker. My parents knew the condition of my legs when I began to walk," she stated.
She admitted that her parents did not allow her to become an athlete. "(They wanted me to focus on academics. But later, they allowed me," the athlete, who was fielded at the ASEAN Para Games 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, noted.
The class 12 student at a high school in Surakarta admitted that she had initially participated in the athletics training at the invitation of the fencing trainer of the Indonesian National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and entered the Student Training and Education Center (PPLP) in Surakarta.
"I started training in class II junior high school, took part in competitions, and also participated in the National Paralympic Week in Bandung in 2016. I was also called to attend the 2017 ASEAN Para Games training camp, followed by the Asian Games 2018 in Solo," Tarani remarked.
During practice, she found it difficult to balance the strength of the left leg with her right leg, including when starting the long jump race.
"During the national training, I rarely went to school, except when there was an exam. But, my teacher supported me," Tiarani explained, while remembering her efforts to follow the school`s learning materials.
Tiarani`s parents were also present at the GBK Main Stadium to support their daughter at the Asian Para Games 2018 para-athletic competition in Jakarta.
"They are fully supportive. My family, my mother, and the club coach were present to watch the event. I have presented my medal to my parents and friends. I am proud to be their child even though I have my limitations," she revealed.
Tiarani admitted that the bonus she would receive would be offered to her parents and siblings. "I will keep it as a school savings too. I hope to give the best to Indonesia," she pointed out.
Even though she won a medal, Tiarani admitted that she was not complacent because she still dreams of participating in the 2019 ASEAN Para Games in the Philippines and the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Reporting by Imam Santoso
Editing by Andi Abdussalam
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
