According to a statement received from the Indonesian Paralympics Committee (NPC) in Jakarta, the initial target was actually for the Indonesian para-sprinter to bring home a bronze medal, repeating the feat he achieved at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
In the qualifying round, Saptoyogo finished third, with a time of 11.35 seconds, trailing behind two Brazilian para-sprinters, Edson Cavalcante Pinheiro and Ricardo Gomes de Mendonca, who clocked faster times of 11.33 and 11.07 seconds, respectively.
The podium finish in the qualifying round sufficed for Saptoyogo to advance to the final stage, where he finished in second place with an improved time of 11.26 seconds.
Saptoyogo not only clinched the silver medal but also broke the Asian record of 11.28 seconds that he set at the 2022 Asian Para Games. He won a gold at that continental event.
"I felt down when I learned that I would compete against new contestants whose time records were unknown to me. However, I steeled my resolve to give my best to earn this medal," the silver medalist stated.
The paralympian also admitted to having concerns that the rain pouring down Stade de France, the event's venue, would make the air colder, ultimately hampering his muscle performance.
"I did not expect to see myself breaking the record, given the rain. Such a condition could prevent muscles in the arms or legs from functioning optimally. Hence, I was simply eyeing a medal," he stated.
Purwo Adi Sanyoto, the Indonesian contingent's para-athletics coach, spoke highly of Saptoyogo, praising his determination, discipline, and mental resilience.
"Saptoyogo had a better reaction and start than his competitors. That is why he managed to maintain his speed until the finish line," he remarked.
The para-sprinter will continue his quest for Paralympic medals in the upcoming men's T37 200-meter event.
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Translator: Arnidhya Nur, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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