The 2024 Paris Olympics have been a global sports extravaganza and a stage for spectacular performances by Indonesian athletes, who captured two gold medals. For the first time, Indonesia clinched gold in sports other than badminton, thanks to the exceptional achievements of Veddriq Leonardo in men’s speed climbing and Rizki Juniansyah in weightlifting.
Veddriq Leonardo set a blistering pace in men’s speed climbing, recording a time of 4.75 seconds, surpassing China’s Wu Peng. Meanwhile, Rizki Juniansyah made history in the weightlifting arena by lifting 199 kg in the clean and jerk, breaking the previous Olympic record held by China’s Shi Zhiyong.
Beyond Indonesia’s success, the Paris Olympics showcased remarkable moments from athletes worldwide. Katie Ledecky of the USA left Paris with four more medals, becoming the most decorated female Olympic swimmer ever. Similarly, Simone Biles of the US gymnastics team reestablished her legendary status by clinching gold in the all-around competition, marking a ‘redemption tour’ after her challenges at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Additionally, the Games were energized by performances from cultural icons Snoop Dogg and Flavor Flav, who provided significant support as fans and spirit boosters for the American athletes, demonstrating how pop culture and sports can unite to energize participants and spectators alike.
The achievements at Paris 2024 have opened a new chapter in the history of Indonesian sports, signaling an era where Indonesian athletes not only compete but also succeed on the global stage. These victories not only bolster Indonesia’s position in the international arena but also inspire the younger generation to dream big and achieve high.
With continued support from the government and the community, the future of Indonesian sports on the international stage looks bright. The success in Paris will serve as motivation and valuable learning for athletes preparing for upcoming competitions, with the hope of continuing to bring honor to the nation.
