SLEMAN - Some time ago, the 2019 Inter-School and College Swimming Championship event was held at the Tirta Krida Swimming Pool, Yogyakarta Air Force Academy Complex, on 2-3 February 2019. At the national level of the swimming competition, UPN "Veteran" Yogyakarta (UPNVY) had the right get a trophy and was named the best university because it brought home nine gold medals. UPNVY left other universities, namely UGM, UNY, and others.

The gloriuos name of the UPNVY in the National Championship is inseparable from the figure of Valeria Paulini Yuwono, a student of Information Systems Study Program, Faculty of Industrial Engineering 2018. Paulini got the gold medal from the nine race categories that followed.

When being contacted via short message on Wednesday (6/2), Paulini admitted that she was happy and proud of the achievements.

"I am very happy I got all champions. Although initially I was not sure that I could get all because it clashed with the class schedule so that I had to reduce my training schedule, "said the woman born in Yogyakarta, May 15, 2000.

Paulini started the race on Saturday (2/2) by diving in the category of 100 m butterfly style, 50 m breaststroke, 100 m freestyle and 50 m backstroke. On this first day she managed to get 4 gold medals.

On the second day, the second semester student won another 5 gold medal for the category of 100 m backstroke, 50 m butterfly style, 200 m exchanged style, 100 m breaststroke, and 50 m freestyle.

The gold medal obtained by Paulin this time was not the first achievement for UPNVY. It is because this third child of 3 siblings, from the couple Agus Sudjiantoro Yuwono and Weli Waliem is the main swimmer of UPNVYduring this time,during this time,.

In November 2018, she donated two gold medals at the Regional Student Sports Week (POMDA DIY).

Although she got all gold medals, but for this fans of games and traveling, it was not enough. It is because the record time she achieved in the match has not managed to break the national record.

"I hope that there is still an opportunity to catch up. I want to be a professional athlete who can give the best achievements to the country, "said the 171 cm tall woman.

Besides being beneficial for maintaining health, swimming was also an outlet for the problems she faced. In addition, according to her, the sport she has learned since her childhood can increase self-confidence.

"I practiced swimming since I was 6 years old by joining a swimming club. I have participated in various championships and the most memorable one was at the 2017 Indonesia Open because the time I solved was good. This made me be more confident. "

Not only swimming with a short distance category, Paulin also participated in open water competitions for 5 km. He participated in the Open Water Swimming in Ambon Baywhich took place in 2016.

Following the swimming competition at sea was the first time Paulin experienced. She claimed that she did not know how to swim in the sea.

"Because I didn't understand it, I asked some advices from the seniors and coaches. At first, I was hesitant and anxious but fortunately it ran smoothly to the finish line. "

Being exhausted due to having to swim for long distances category and fought the sea waves, Paulini proved her hard work with the acquisition of a Silver medal. She won the second place in the event which was attended by dozens of professional swimming athletes.

"I did not expect it because it was my first time taking part in the open water swimming event as well as winning the championship,” she said.

During the competition, Paulin claimed to often get champions. There are countless trophies and medals she has ever won. Despite this, Paulin acknowledged, various challenges she had faced when wrestling with water sports.

She was ever injured during the training and was almost desperated. Yet, the encouragement of parents and close friends motivated her to keep trying. (wwj / PR)