Singaraja- Athletic athlete Maria Natalia Londa is one of Indonesia’s leading athletes who has tried out a number of prestigious competitions at the international level. In 2023 at the Cambodian SEA Games, she again made Indonesia proud by winning two medals. After securing silver in the women’s triple jump event, this athlete from Bali then won a gold medal.
After trying out the SEA Games with great effort, this senior Indonesian athlete did not forget to continue her college assignments. She is a student in the Postgraduate Program at the Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) Singaraja, Bali taking the Sports Education Study Program. She was registered as a student in the class of 2020. Her struggles, which had to deal with time for practice, led her to complete her thesis and take the exam, Wednesday (31/5/2023).
In the face-to-face exam, this 33-year-old student seemed enthusiastic and very well prepared. Presentation of the results of her research entitled “The Influence of TrainingHop Sprint andStep Up Against the Speed and Explosive Power of Leg Muscles in the Athletic Extracurricular Students at SMAN 1 North Kuta” was conveyed in a straightforward manner to the four examiners. Likewise, the questions received can be answered and clarified properly.
Even though it went well, the athlete who is familiarly called Maria admitted that she was nervous about taking the exam. Even more tense than when competing in international championships which were witnessed by thousands of spectators and faced with other seasoned athletes. “It’s much more stressful than the thesis exam. If the duel is memorized, whereas if the thesis is something different. Because this is an academic activity,” she said.
During lectures, it is definitely not free from challenges. She must be smart in dividing her time with the National Training (Pelatnas). Luckily, she went to college during the Covid-19 pandemic which made learning possible to follow online. “That’s what made me really able to finish my studies in three semesters so the rest I really tidied up the thesis. One time off because I had to focus on the 2021 SEA Games,” she said.
Her lecture was colored by a story. In the middle of the road, she wanted to give up because she was faced with the responsibility of being a very large Pelatnas athlete. Even this story was conveyed with emotion to the examiners. However, the great support from family, friends, and lecturers at Postgraduate Undiksha made her enthusiasm rise to finish his studies. Her success in obtaining the title of Master of Education is also considered a sweet gift in her life. “In the recent past, those who have passed must have known how complicated her. But fortunately, thanks to a good support system from the lecturers, family, and friends in the field, it was finally completed,” continued Maria.
Education, for her, is a very important asset for future self-development, especially in the field of sports. Now, being able to continue her education to the doctoral level is also Maria’s wish and hope. After the thesis exam, she will return to Pelatnas in order to prepare herself to compete in the Asian Games. “Hopefully the achievements achieved during the SEA Games can be achieved again at the Asian Games,” she hoped.
Her love for athletics had grown when she was 10 years old. Now, she has been in the world for 23 years. A number of competitions have been tried, including 8 SEA Games, 2 Asian Games, and 4 PON. Achievements for the SEA Games, namely 6 gold, 6 silver, and 4 bronze. A total of 8 in the PON event, and 1 gold for the Asian Games. Hard work and consistency for her are the keys to achieving this glorious achievement.
After taking the exam, Maria Londa had the opportunity to meet with the leadership of the Postgraduate Program. This meeting took place warmly and she received appreciation for her success in achieving achievements in the SEA Games. Her presence as an Undiksha student is expected to be a motivation for other students and other athletes to continue to improve their competence through education.
The meeting was also held with the Chancellor of Undiksha, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Lasmawan, M.Pd., accompanied by the Deputy Chancellor for Student Affairs, Public Relations, and Alumni, Prof. Dr. I Wayan Suastra, M.Pd. On this occasion, the Chancellor Prof. Lasmawan also expressed his pride for Maria Londa’s achievements. “We are very proud of what has been achieved. Hopefully, there will be more and more students like Maria and follow in her footsteps,” he hoped.
The new chancellor who was appointed on April 13 2023 advised Maria Londa to continue to develop herself. In addition, it is hoped that she can continue her education to the doctoral level. “Don’t stop at this level because the other levels are still waiting for Maria to be proven as a special person in the eyes of Undiksha and our society,” he ordered. (hms)
