From small town to international glory: Syuradikara’s swimming champions make waves in Bangkok

What does it take to become a champion? For the young swimmers of Syuradikara Catholic High School in Indonesia, the answer is not just talent, but resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The journey of four determined students—Magdalena Queensa Ndu, Abraham Leonard Watik, Fajar Kanda Aro Umardy, and Arsenius Madio Juliano Witi—has inspired an entire community, proving that even from a small town in East Nusa Tenggara, dreams can reach international waters.

Representing Indonesia at the Asian Open School Invitational Swimming Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand, from February 6-9, 2025, these young athletes brought home gold, silver, and bronze medals, solidifying their place among Asia’s top student swimmers. 

Their triumph is not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for their school, their hometown, and their country.

A hero's welcome and the enduring legacy of Syuradikara 

Upon their return to Ende on February 15, the atmosphere at Haji Hasan Aroeboessman Airport was electrifying. Hundreds of students, teachers, and staff gathered in anticipation, their cheers echoing through the terminal as the athletes emerged victorious.

A celebratory parade awaited them—a white pickup truck adorned with the Indonesian flag and yellow-white fabric, symbolizing their triumph.

“Syuradikara is truly extraordinary! These are international champions, not just any competitors,” exclaimed Yansen Sani, a local driver who witnessed the grand reception. The streets were lined with supporters, celebrating the swimmers’ hard-earned victory as they made their way back to their alma mater.

Founded on September 1, 1953, Syuradikara Catholic High School, run by the Divine Word Missionaries (SVD), is more than just an institution—it is a beacon of excellence and a nurturing ground for future leaders.

Its very name, which means “Creator of Great Heroes,” speaks to its mission of developing young minds into future leaders in academics, arts, and sports.

Over the years, Syuradikara has made a name for itself beyond sports. In 2022, its students secured 15 national championships in the National Student Competition (KSN), excelling in subjects such as Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Astronomy, and Economics. Just last year, in July 2024, Syuradikara successfully defended its title as the overall champion of the Student Expression Week, outperforming 21 other schools in Ende Regency.

This latest victory in Bangkok is yet another feather in its cap, reinforcing its reputation as a school that molds not just students but world-class achievers.

Faith, discipline, and overcoming challenges: The road to victory

For Brother Kristianus Riberu, SVD, the school’s principal, this victory is about more than medals—it is about fostering character, determination, and faith.

“We are grateful for their accomplishments. This is not just a victory for our school but also for Ende Regency and Indonesia as a whole,” he said at a press conference.

To honor their success, Syuradikara awarded a special scholarship to gold medalist Abraham Leonard Watik. The school believes in nurturing talent and ensuring that young athletes receive the education and support they need to thrive.

Despite their remarkable achievements, these swimmers have had to overcome significant challenges—chief among them, inadequate training facilities.

“We have had to rely solely on the Reworeke swimming pool, which lacks adequate facilities,” Watik admitted. “It’s difficult to train consistently when we don’t have the same resources as other international competitors.”

Teammate Arsenius Madio Juliano Witi echoed his sentiment, pointing out the vast difference between their training conditions and those of swimmers from other countries.

“We can only train optimally once or twice a week, while they train six days a week with complete amenities,” Witi remarked.

The manager of the Ende Swimming Team, Ribkah Eleonora Valentina, further emphasized this concern.

“We have worked hard to bring these children to international competitions. With better support, they can achieve even more,” she urged, calling on the local government, donors, and alumni to invest in better sports infrastructure.

A Vision for the Future

Despite the hurdles, Syuradikara remains steadfast in its mission. It is a school that instills a champion’s mentality in its students—not just in swimming, but in every aspect of life.

Brother Kris said, "Our grand vision is to stay true to our name—producing great heroes who can compete and excel in society."

As these young athletes continue to defy expectations, their story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community support.

Syuradikara’s champions have made waves in Bangkok, but their journey does not end here. With the right support, they will continue to rise, bringing even greater glory to their school, their hometown, and Indonesia.

And perhaps, one day, the world will know the names of these young swimmers—not just as medalists, but as inspirations for future generations.