(Unila): Communication Science student from the University of Lampung (Unila) class of 2023, Dhiyaa Thifaal Tiffani, achieved a proud achievement by winning three medals at once at the Bekasi Open 2025 event, at Revo Town Mall, Bekasi, on December 19 to 21, 2025.
In the championship, which was attended by around 800 participants from various regions in Indonesia, Dhiyaa successfully won 1st place in Classic Slalom Senior Women, 2nd place in Skate Cross Senior Women, and 3rd place in Speed Slalom Senior Women, and was ranked fifth among female athletes with the most medals in this event.
The Bekasi Open 2025 is a collaboration between Patriot Skate and Indonesia Skating Development, and has received recommendations from the KONI and PORSEROSI Executive Boards, making it one of the most prestigious national championship events.
Dhiyaa admitted that this achievement was very satisfying. Despite her busy schedule as a student on an internship with limited practice time, she was still able to perform at her best.
“I only registered for three categories, and I won medals in all of them. I feel so proud and happy,” She said.
Dhiyaa’s interest in roller skating began in second grade. She managed to break into the top 10 in fifth grade, which was the turning point, with her parents’ fully supporting her pursuit to the sport professionally, ultimately leading to her joining the Lampung team.
“Initially, it was just for fun for the first year, just to fill my daily activities until finally I became part of the Lampung team,” She said.
Dhiyaa admits her journey as a female athlete has not been without challenges, including stereotypes and doubts from those around her. She often hears accusations that women have physical limitations or are wasting time with grueling training.
In fact, there were times when she doubted herself, especially after losing a competition. However, the strong support of her parents and team helped her bounce back.
“From the last few competitions, it’s proof that the limits actually exist only in our minds,” She said.
In addition, the University of Lampung also plays a role in supporting Dhiyaa’s achievements, starting from academic appreciation, administrative assistance such as dispensation, to support for facilities and funding for certain training and championships.
As a commitment to her achievements, Dhiyaa follows a fairly intense training routine, practicing around three hours per day. As competitions approach, this can drastically increase to ten hours a day, coupled with exhausting physical training. Despite frequent bouts of fatigue and self-doubt, Dhiyaa chooses to persevere.
“I’ve prayed to be in this position. I have responsibilities and small dreams that haven’t been fulfilled yet. It wouldn’t be fair if I stopped now just because I was tired,” She said.
In the future, Dhiyaa hopes that she can continue her roller skating career and that her journey will be an inspiration, especially for the younger generation and aspiring Indonesian athletes, showing that the world of sport is worth fighting for with full commitment.
Dhiyaa advised the younger generation not to focus too much on the end result. She believes the key lies in having the courage to start and consistently following the process, despite the uncertainty.
“Don’t get so caught up in the end result that you forget that you have to go through the process. It’s not because you’re 100% sure it’ll work, but because you’re brave enough to try. One day, your efforts will bear fruit,” she concluded. [Muzamil Kakar]
