Tara Athaya holds her three gold medals that achieved at Peparnas (Source: Instagram/@taraathaay)

Semarang—A sports event for people with disabilities called the National Paralympic Week (Peparnas) is held every year. Peparnas XVI 2021 was held in Jayapura, Papua on 5-12 November 2021.

A student of Communication Studies 2021, Tara Athaya Yasykur, had the opportunity to take part in Peparnas in the swimming sport. Tara broke national records in all the events she participated in, namely the 50 meters freestyle, 200 meters freestyle, and 50 meters breaststroke. Therefore, she managed to get 3 gold medals.

The limited visibility that she has did not dampen her love for swimming. Her love for swimming is what drives Tara’s spirit to keep practice despite the difficulties.

“I attended regional training in Klaten for 7 months. Practice every morning and evening except Sunday because we are off. The feeling of being bored while carrying out the regional administration because it is far from home, family, friends, and it is difficult to get out of the mess also because of this pandemic, “explained Tara.

Tara’s love for swimming has grown since she was little so swimming has now become a part of her daily life.

“I start swimming is just for a refreshing, not for achievement, so actually it’s been ingrained from the start that swimming is inherently enjoyable. So it’s fun to swim. Moreover, I have been swimming for about 8 years, so it is already a part of my life,” she continued.

Having a great love for swimming doesn’t mean Tara’s journey to swimming has been smooth sailing. There are times when she feels at rock bottom and not progressing.

“Of course there is, I feel like I’m stuck there, I feel like I’m not progressing, but if I remember and focus on what the goal is, it makes me excited again, plus there is support from the closest people to me,” said the swimmer.

She said that Diponegoro University, who knew that she was serious about swimming, also supported her.

“From Undip, maybe the form of support is in the form of a dispensation if I have a schedule clash between lectures and training or competitions.”

Tara, who hopes to make swimming become her long-term profession, asks prayers for it. She also advised young people out there who have talent but are not supported by their parents to never give up.

Writer: Salsabila Febryanti

Reporter: Gisella Previan Laoh

Editor: Langgeng Irma Salugiasih

Source : komunikasi.fisip.undip.ac.id