Becoming a student and practicing to sharpen her skills as an athlete is not easy for Marina. The student from Jeruk Village, Central Bangka, has indeed been pursuing running sports since high school (SMA). Therefore, when she was a student at the Physical Education, Sport, Health and Recreation (PJKR) Study Program, Universitas Muhammadiyah Bangka Belitung (Unmuh Babel), Marina also won achievements in various championships at the national level. One of them was the achievement of bringing home two silver medals at the 17th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS) 2022 in Padang, West Sumatra. Two medals were brought home in the women’s 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter running categories.
Marina went through many challenges when she was involved in long-distance running. She also received this challenge from her mother, who did not provide her full support when she decided to be a long-distance runner. However, it did not reduce Marina’s motivation to be an athlete. Currently, Marina is an outstanding athlete in Bangka Belitung and the Unmuh Babel. Even though she is a non-Muslim student, Marina admitted that she never experienced religious discrimination at Unmuh Babel. “I have a supportive campus, supportive environment, and friends in studying and can continue to create a positive contribution in education,” she explained.
After winning two silver medals at POMNAS, Marina also won 2nd place in the 21 KM Belitung Trial Run. Dr Pratiwi Amelia also appreciated this achievement. “Marina’s achievements are one of Unmuh Babel’s commitments to producing athletes who excel in their fields. Congratulations to Marina and continue to make achievements in the future,” she concluded.