Susi Susanti at the Olympics

Susi Susanti at the Olympics

      Indonesians had been competing in the Olympics since 1952, but had never won a gold medal. That was until 1992 when badminton was added to the Olympic program.

      At the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Susi Susanti qualified easily for the final. However, Bang Soo-hyun from Korea won the first game 11-5. Then, Susanti took charge by winning the second game 11-5 and the third game 11-3.

      Two hours later, her fiance, Alan Budi Kusuma won the men`s badminton title. When they returned to Indonesia, there was celebration in their honour. It was included a two-hour parade through the streets of Jakarta. A car with a gigantic shuttlecock led the parade.

      The following year, Susanti faced Bang in the final of the 1993 World Championship. Bang won the first game again, but Susanti came back to win the next two games.

      At the next Olympics, in 1996, the two met again in the semifinals. This time Bang won the match. However, Susanti recovered to win the bronze medal match again Kim Ji-hyun also from Korea. She won straight set 11-4 and 11-1.

Sumber : Buku Paket Bahasa Inggris Kelas 8