At the Bercy Arena in Paris on Sunday, she performed the uneven bar and recorded 9,166 points. Throughout the match, she endured the pain of her meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and had to be assisted by her coach, Eva Novalina.
"The path to the Olympics was very long and not easy. I trained hard by enduring the pain; it felt very difficult when I performed on the uneven bars," Rifda explained.
She explained the arduous journey she had to go through due to the injury after competing in the World Championship, which made her qualify for Paris 2024.
The 24-year-old gymnast underwent surgery on her meniscus. However, she is suffering an ACL injury that has not been operated on as she had to be at the Olympics.
After undergoing rehabilitation, therapy, recovery, and training, last month she was able to perform all movements with the four apparatuses. However, three weeks before her departure for Paris, she was injured again. Her knees were swollen, which made her feel stressed.
"I really wanted to perform in the Olympics. I wanted to make those who have supported me proud," Rifda said.
Meanwhile, she said that she has not made any decision for her career as a gymnast due to the ACL injury.
"I wanted to feel the Olympic atmosphere. Maybe I will undergo surgery, or maybe not, or continue to become an athlete," she said.
However, Rifda admitted that after she performed, she felt better.
"I am happy to have endured the pain until the competition ends," she said.
Related news: Indonesia's Prabowo seeks IOC nod for pencak silat
Related news: Prabowo, Thohir meet with IOC President, discuss Indonesia potential
Translator: Fajar S, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
