Blue Riband Gold goes offshore

Tue, May 10 2011

In a spectacular night at Arafura Stadium Thailand runner Jaran Sathoengram and Indonesian athlete Rostina Rostina won gold medals for their countries in the blue riband 100m Open finals.

Rostina Rostina crossed the line in front of Vietnam’s Thihang Tran and Papua New Guinea’s Sharon Kwarula at a time of 12.09.

During the medal ceremony the 22-year-old emerging champion had to hold back tears of joy when fellow countrymen joined in the national anthem.

Jaran Sathoegram, Thailand, was the fastest in the 100m Men’s dash, beating Australia’s Dallas Green and Indonesia’s John Herman Muray in the race for the coveted medals in the 2011 Arafura Games signature event.

His team Manager Chaisanit Pholsub said the young athlete, who crossed the line in a time of 10.78, was “happy and excited” about his performance.

“It’s the first time for him to compete in the Arafura Games, he’s been training every day, all year.

“He could have competed in the under 18s, but he decided to give the Opens a go.

“Athletes like him are the new generation for our country and our national team.”

The much anticipated 100m Ambulant final saw an empty lane after 2011 Arafura Games oath giver and golden girl of the 2009 Games, Kelly Cartwright, could not start due to injury.

The event was won by Australian athlete Stephanie Schweitzer with a time of 13.49.

Spectators held their breath during the 800m dash wheelchair, when Jasim Alnaqbi, of the United Arab Emirates, and Timoci Serevi, Fiji, collided with their wheelchairs.

Alnaqui was thrown from his wheelchair in the crash and split his helmet, but finished first, winning the third gold medal for the United Arab Emirates.

More information: Arafura Games Media Centre (08)8982 2333.