From river to gold: Aisyah's triumph at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games

  From the river currents to the Southeast Asian podium, this is the journey of Siti Aisyah—a bright young star who brought glory to Indonesia as a standout in para-swimming at the 2025 ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Despite her young age, the 15-year-old girl put on a fearless performance in her ASEAN Para Games debut, securing two gold medals and three bronze medals.

This achievement not only surpassed her personal target but also highlighted the emergence of Indonesia's next generation of swimming talent.

Being the youngest swimmer in Indonesia's para-swimming team, she competed in five events and scored her best results in the 100m and 200m backstroke S14.

Those two gold medals were particularly special because one was won by defeating Thailand’s top swimmer, Nattharinee Khajhonmatha—the long-time record holder in that category.

Debuting at an event as prestigious as the ASEAN Para Games did not daunt her; instead, she made it her stage to shine. Her success strengthened the medal tally for the Indonesian contingent, which delivered a solid performance throughout the games.

Amid the fierce competition, the Padang-born athlete maintained her consistency from the heats to the finals, cutting through the water with a calm rhythm and unwavering confidence.

"Initially, I only targeted one event. I just followed my coach's instructions and gave it my all," she said.

From river currents to racing lanes

The journey of this daughter of Imam Wahyudi and Iya Diana Sari began with her habit of swimming in the river near her home.

After school, Aisyah would often play there with her friends. Unknowingly, the river became her first training ground.

This habit eventually caught the attention of her family. Her mother's sister-in-law, Rika Astika, suggested that Aisyah take formal swimming lessons to hone her skills more seriously in a safer environment.

She then gained support, including the cost of training, which was covered by the woman Aisyah affectionately calls "Bunda."

The young girl then began learning formal swimming techniques in fourth grade. However, the early days were not always smooth; exhaustion and boredom once caused her to quit training for several weeks.

Slowly but surely, she rediscovered her love for swimming, pushing herself to train diligently.

Her talent eventually caught the attention of the West Sumatra National Paralympic Committee (NPC), which recognized Aisyah’s immense potential, particularly in backstroke.

With her strong presence in the water and steadily improving endurance, she began to be directed toward a more structured competitive path

Training far from home

At just 12 years old and still in the sixth grade, Aisyah was scouted for a government athlete development program.

It was a difficult decision, as it meant leaving her hometown and family behind, but she took the challenge anyway and moved to Solo, Central Java, to train in Indonesia’s Specialized Center for Disability Sports (SKODI).

There, the teenager lived alongside other aspiring athletes, undergoing a rigorous routine of strict training and a packed schedule.

While homesickness was inevitable, her determination to grow served as her primary fuel. The structured training system allowed her to mature significantly, both physically and mentally.

Back in fourth grade, Aisyah was diagnosed with an intellectual disability. Despite this condition, she excels in psychomotor activities, particularly sports. Swimming became her medium of expression where she can feel free, focused, and confident.

Aisyah found her world in the pool lanes. Every stroke of her arms and kick of her legs became a language of resilience.

Being far from her parents forged her independence, built her resilience, and strengthened her competitive mindset.

Continue schooling

Despite her rising athletic achievements, Aisyah is determined not to neglect her education. She realizes that a future is built not only at the training venue, but also in the classroom.

During her preparations for the 2025 ASEAN Para Games, she had to miss several weeks of school, yet her desire to return to her studies remained strong.

Upon returning home, Aisyah is determined to continue her education while maintaining her routine training. She is currently an eighth-grade student at the Surakarta State Special Needs School.

For her, school and sports are two paths that must go hand in hand. This is a principle that has been instilled by her family from an early age.

Her parents also always remind her of the importance of making the best efforts without worrying about the final results.

This is the value that has been Aisyah's guiding principle in every race, including when facing senior competitors at the Southeast Asian multi-sport event.

Her victory over Thailand’s top seed in the 100m backstroke S14 remains her most memorable moment.

Without any specific preparation to face a particular opponent, she focused entirely on her own strategy: maintaining her rhythm and following her coach's instructions.

Given her young age, there are still so many opportunities that await Aisyah along her journey. She is projected to become one of the mainstays of Indonesia's para-swimming team in future international events.

However, for Aisyah, the highest level of achievement is not winning medals, but the ability to continue to learn, grow, and make her parents and the nation proud.

Her success in Thailand is proof that long-term development, family support, and perseverance can truly pay off.

From a small river in her hometown to international pools, Aisyah has carved out a story of process, patience, and the courage to dream big.