UNAIR NEWS – Dio Novandra Wibawa, an alumnus of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) managed to win two medals in the SEA Games 2021. The Faculty of Law ’14 alumnus of has won a silver medal in finswimming sport in Men’s 4x200M Surface Relay and a bronze medal in Men’s 4x100M Surface Relay.
First-time participation in SEA Games
Unlike other athletes in his team, this is the first time Dio represented Indonesia in the prestigious competition. “I feel proud and moved because at this moment I had the chance to participate in SEA Games, I could provide medals for Indonesia,” said the athlete from Surabaya.
Although this is the first time he stepped into an ASEAN-level competition, Dio has had notable achievements in the diving field. It was proven by his gold medal achievement in the National Sports Week (PON) 2016 in male 100M surface and silver medal in PON 2021 in male 200M surface relay.
Focused on training
Before participating in the prestigious competition, Dio and his team must train extra hard because he only has a short period of preparation time before the competition. During Eid holiday, he refrained from going home to achieve his training target.
“After many struggles and sacrifices before the SEA Games, it all finally paid off with the medals,” he expressed.
Experience and livelihood
For Dio, diving activity is a hobby and a job that could give him experience and be his livelihood. “Diving activity is a hobby and a job which support me to fill my youth until today. I am grateful for this positive and good activity for myself and if God’s willing for my career path,” he revealed.
Dio has continued to pursue swimming activities since he was a child. He mentioned that during his studies at UNAIR, all forms of dispensation from the dean and lecturers had helped him achieve optimal results in this hobby.
“During my time as a student, I once got confused because there was a training center schedule abroad for two months. But after asking for a dispensation letter to The National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) and having been consulted to the faculty, the faculty was very supportive,” he said.
Now Dio still keeps his routines to train and maintain his stamina and body resistance to prepare for the next competition. “I still maintain my condition, so if there is a call for a competition, I can be ready. And I also prepare myself for another chance to compete in the next 2021 SEA Games,” he explained. (*)
Author: Stefanny Ely
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
