Missing champion
=== 
The video is at the top of the timeline, when I just opened an fb account.
'Start on Line 8, Finish Number One'.
Once the capture is written by the video uploader. At first I was a bit lazy to click on the video because the mood was bad again after learning the Indonesian national team U-19 lost a penalty shoot-out against Malaysia, in the AFF U-19 Semifinal.
"Ah, Malaysia has always been a nightmare for the Garuda National Team!" I grumbled. "In the 2010 AFF Cup Final lost to Malaysia. Sea Games 2011, losing again to Malaysia. "
But because of curiosity, I finally clicked on the video.
It turned out that the video showed results from the U-20 100-meter World Running Championship, in Finland. Interestingly, one in eight contestants came from Indonesia. The young man was wearing a white running costume and red pants. On his chest is written; M. Zohri.
M. Zohri is on line number 8. Most tip, right. As far as I know, in sprint sports, line 8 is not a favorite line champion. You could say, it is a track for non-seeded participants. It was the middle side that became the track of favorite champion participants. Usain Bolt, the fastest runner from Jamaica, is always placed on the middle line while competing.
What are the benefits?
Participants who are in the middle lane, will be able to glance at their right-hand opponents. So he can measure how fast your opponent runs. Also, camera shots will usually be directed at runners on the middle track. Favorite participants, bro. And in the race that followed M. Zohri, the middle track was filled by duo sprinters from the United States; Anthony Schwartz and Eric Harrison. These two runners are superior.
So, when the eruption of the gun with the sign of the race began, no one thought that M. Zohri was racing on the far right side of the track. Running in line with the leading participants. Even two commentators just named M. Zohri when all the participants almost touched the finish line.
Until ... When the sprinter passed the finish line almost at the same time, I heard one commentator say in a doubtful tone,
"I think Zohri take the first place."
All participants looked at the screen on the side of the stadium, waiting for an announcement. Their breath gasped. One or two looks holding your knees.
Until, about ten seconds later, the announcement screen placed the name M. Zohri at the top. Instantly M. Zohri ran with a big smile. At one point, in the middle of the path he prostrated gratitude. The reporter's camera captured the moment when Zohri placed his forehead on the ground. Celebrations that are rarely seen in athletic championships.
"Oh, surprise! Zohri is the new world champions. "Male commentators shouted eagerly.
Another commentator, woman, said no less enthusiastically, "Incredible! He is starting in line eight. "
The camera then turns to shoot Anthony Schwartz and Eric Harrison. It was clear from the expression on the faces of the runners from Uncle Sam's country that they did not believe this was happening. The flagship runner is defeated by runners at the far end. They shake their heads. Just like a dream, I didn't think they could only occupy the second and third place.
After that, on the mobile screen, I saw Anthony Schwartz and Eric Harrison running by the side of the field and took the United States flag given by the crew, one each. Then they take pictures by unfurling the flag. While the champion, M. Zohri, ran towards the audience, clapped alone, he looked confused when running on the side of the field - which I later found out that he was confused looking for a red and white flag to stretch on his back--. Nobody gave him the red and white saka. Until when the reporter called him to take a photo with the second and third champions, M. Zohri did not hold the flag of his homeland. The sweet black young man finally took a picture in the middle. No flag. Flanked by two runners who unfurled the United States flag
I don't know why there is no Indonesian flag prepared by the committee for the celebration of the victory of M. Zohri? But most likely, the committee did not expect that this championship would be won by Indonesian runners.
I looked at the cellphone screen with a smile.
"Similar to what Rio Haryanto experienced," I muttered.
Yes, Rio Haryanto experienced something similar. The former F1 driver from Solo once told: In the past, during the second series GP3 race in Turkey in 2010, surprisingly Rio Haryanto won. Like the championship celebrations, the committee will fly the country's flag and play the national anthem from the driver who finished first.
Strangely, when Rio Haryanto had boarded the podium, the Indonesian flag had not been installed. Indonesian songs did not reverberate. For a long time Rio waited for the procession of his victory celebration.
After investigating, it turned out that the competition committee did not prepare the Indonesian flag, nor did it have the Indonesia Raya song file. They don't think there are Indonesian drivers who will win the race. Finally, after a long period of confusion, the committee was forced to borrow the driver's flag from Poland (White-Red), then turn it into an Indonesian flag (Red-White). As for the national anthem, the committee immediately downloaded the Indonesia Raya song via Youtube right away.
This is how it feels to be an 'Missing Champion'.
I looked back at the screen. After a while, finally M. Zohri got the red and white saka. I don't know where. Then with a face full of happiness, M. Zohri ran back towards the center of the track and raised the flag high. There was no big applause he received from the audience. But the 18-year-old from Lombok, NTB seems to not care. Continue to run around the Tampere stadium, Finland, while flying Red and White.
"Ah, so curious about this one hero."
Immediately I opened Google, entered the word 'M. Zohri Runner 'in the search field. Click.
I can't help feeling emotion when I find that M. Zohri is an orphan. His mother died when he was in elementary school, and his father passed away a year ago, exactly when he was doing a training camp to face one of the championships. With a heavy heart, M. Zohri was permitted to resign from the championship to see the father's body for the last time.
And immediately I was shocked to see M. Zohri's residence in Lombok. The shelter is more appropriate to say hut than home. The floor is only land, while the walls are made of woven bamboo. Looks like the wall is hollow here and there. Even on some sides of the wall is closed using old newspapers. The roof is a lot of holes. I can't imagine what if a heavy rain hit the house? We will also be sad to see the bed. Just a couch with a mat, without a soft mattress. If there are items that are considered luxurious, maybe just a door without a door that is lying on the side of the house. Contains some clothes belonging to M. Zohri. Really apprehensive.
There, at the Tampere, Finland stadium, M. Zohri ran with a puzzled face, looking for the red and white flag to he raised high. Proving to the world, that this country exists. This country deserves to be taken into account.
While we are here, separated by ten thousand kilometers from it, we also have not stopped each other, cheating each other, because of different political views.
There, with a young age, 18 years old, M. Zohri has been able to make the nation proud. Really make the name of the nation in its true meaning.
Whereas we here, who were born much earlier than him, are still busy with tick-tock toys, strangely styled while accompanied by a song, "It's just like that again, want to be colonized again, just want to be alone with you ... It's more beautiful, but not pretentious. . Shantik-Shantik is only for you ... !!! "
Surabaya, July 13, 2018
Fitrah Inspiration
NB:
Thank you, M. Zohri. Your performance is like cold, flowing water, soaking up the old esophagus in thirst. There are our prayers on every inch of your run. So, keep on achieving. For our sake. For the sake of this beloved country.