Thus, he is entitled to the medal.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian sprinter Saptoyogo Purnomo admitted to not having expected to bag a bronze medal in the men's 100 meters running event in the T37 category at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

"Winning the bronze medal is a surprise. Initially, I was only targeting to break my personal record. However, I am grateful to have been able to secure the medal," Purnomo noted in an official statement received here on Friday.

The sprinter finished third, clocking a time of 11.31 seconds, in the event’s final held at the Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, at 19:25 Japan Standard Time.

Meanwhile, the gold medal was pocketed by American athlete Nick Mayhugh, with a recorded time of 10.95 seconds, while Andrei Vdovin from the Russian Olympic Committee secured a silver medal, with a time of 11.18 seconds.

Shortly after crossing the finish line, Purnomo, who could not contain his excitement, immediately shouted with joy on realizing that he had bagged a bronze medal.

"I am grateful for the support of all Indonesian people, the president, youth and sports minister, National Paralympic Committee, and coach," he stated.

Related news: Ni Nengah Widiasih 'grateful' for winning silver at Tokyo Paralympics

Purnomo's coach, Slamet Widodo, also lauded the athlete’s success. "Since the 2020 Paralympics was pushed back to this year, Purnomo managed to prepare better," he stated.

According to Widodo, the 23-year-old sprinter had always remained disciplined and worked hard to complete all his trainings.

"Thus, he is entitled to the medal," he affirmed.

Purnomo’s achievement added the second medal to the Indonesian contingent at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. Earlier, Indonesia had won a silver medal from Ni Nengah Widiasih in the powerlifting sport in the 41-kg class.

Purnomo still has the opportunity to bag another medal, as he will compete in the men's T37 200 meters running final event on September 4, 2021.

Related news: Ni Nengah Widiasih bags Indonesia's first medal at Tokyo Paralympics

Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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