Feature Stories

Franklin Ramses Burumi Gives thanks for triple gold glory

Posted : 17 Nov 2011 10:54:31

Palembang (UR): Franklin Ramses Burumi is inarguably the star to watch in the track and field after winning three gold medals at the 26^th SEA Games.

A devout Christian, Franklin said his accomplishments were divinely inspired.

“I always pray for success when I am about to compete. I never forget to give thanks to the Lord for finishing first,” Franklin said.

His triple gold has put him in the lead to replace Indonesia’s leading sprinter Suryo Agung Wibowo, although his personal best sprint times are still slower than Agung’s.

Agung declined a call up to the Indonesian contingent to the SEA Games because he is on the hajj pilgrimage with his wife.

Despite his failure to break Agung’s 10.17 second record in the prestigious 100 meters, 20-year old Franklin deserves to be on par with his senior after he won gold in the 200 meters and helped the Indonesian team secure gold in the 4x100-meter relay.

The tree gold medals mean Franklin will pocket Rp 600 million in bonuses from the government. “I am going to use the money to buy a house for my parents,” he said.

Franklin also said he had plans to settle down, but not in the near future. “Her name is Sandhi Wamea. But we have no plans to get married in the near future,” he said, adding he would return to Papua after the SEA Games for a holiday. UR-5