SURFING athlete Rio Waida is strengthening his muscle mass through intensive physical training ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I prepared myself mentally, physically and for surfing. I trained every day but simply,” said Rio during physical training at a fitness center at a hotel in the Kuta Beach area, Badung Regency, Bali, Wednesday (10/7).
The training is divided into several sessions including warm-up, then main training using weights ranging from 10 kilograms to 15 kilograms and interspersed with rest for regarding two minutes.
Then the final exercise is a cool down and closed with a cold water soak to relieve any pain following high intensity exercise.
Physical training was carried out for 1.5 hours starting at 06.00-07.30 WITA guided by a physical trainer for strength and conditioning from Greece, Tina Chronopoulou.
Tina said the 24-year-old athlete’s muscle mass needed to be increased considering the characteristics of the waves at Teahupo’o Beach, Tahiti, which are known to be fierce and can reach tens of meters in height.
Also read: Rio Waida Affirms Determination to Get Ticket to 2024 Paris Olympics
“We focus on the lower body, namely the legs, to increase muscle mass. We want him to be stronger because the waves are big,” he said.
Specifically for surfing sports, it is not held in Paris but in Tahiti, French Polynesian Islands, which is considered to be suitable for the waves needed.
In addition to increasing muscle mass, the Indonesian-Japanese athlete also follows a diet that avoids fried foods, foods high in sugar, and junk food.
Also read: Rio Waida Targets Medals at 2024 Paris Olympics
Head Coach of the Indonesian National Surfing Team, Arya Subyakto, said that despite having tough opponents from Brazil and the United States (US), he is optimistic that Rio can give his best in the prestigious event.
Apart from training and skills, the wave factor also plays an important role for athletes.
“Not only is the opponent’s challenge tough, but hopefully the tide will also be on our side,” he said.
Also read: Rio Waida Grateful to Get Ticket to 2024 Paris Olympics
Rio Waida plans to leave for Tahiti on Thursday (18/7) via Australia and then New Zealand.
He is scheduled to compete on Saturday (27/7) as his second event at the Olympics following his first at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics when Rio had to be satisfied with finishing in the last 16.
Rio is the only Indonesian surfer sent to the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Ant/Z-1)
#Rio #Waida #Strengthens #Muscle #Mass #Paris #Olympics
