As one of Indonesia’s badminton icons, Jonatan Christie, or Jojo as he is fondly known, is living proof that perseverance can elevate someone to the top. Yet, his journey began far from the dazzling spotlight.
Speaking to Telecom Asia Sport, Jojo shared his story of growing up in a humble family. His childhood was no different from other kids, filled with school routines and playtime.
I never thought about becoming an athlete back then. My life was ordinary, nothing special.
Jojo’s introduction to badminton was initiated by his father, a former football and basketball player, who wanted his son to engage in sports. Initially, Jojo was directed to swimming to build his physique. However, a collaboration between his school and a small badminton club changed everything.
The coach at the club saw that I had the drive. That’s when they invited me to train more seriously.
At the age of six, Jojo held a racket for the first time. While the beginning seemed simple, his journey was far from easy. Training started at four in the morning, meaning he had to wake up at three.
At first, I cried because I wasn’t used to it, but my father always accompanied me. He was like a full-time companion during training.
His father’s dream was straightforward: to hear Indonesia Raya, the national anthem, played on the world stage through his son’s achievements. His family’s unwavering support became Jojo’s foundation to endure rigorous training and the demands of school.
There were times I felt like giving up, especially when I trained hard but hadn’t won any titles yet. But I knew I had to keep going.
His first championship moment came at the age of eight. Winning a small tournament gave him the motivation to pursue badminton more seriously.
I got prize money that time, and it motivated me even more to focus on badminton.
His career continued to soar. At 11, Jojo won a gold medal at the Southeast Asian Primary School Olympics in 2008. Four years later, at 15, he joined the national training center. Despite competing against senior players, Jojo showed extraordinary discipline.
I trained two to three times harder to catch up with them.
The pinnacle of his early career came in 2013 when the teenage Jojo won his first senior international title at the Indonesia International Challenge, defeating a favorite in the final. “Finally, Indonesia Raya was played,” Jojo remarked. From then on, he consistently competed in senior tournaments, securing titles in prestigious events like the Thomas Cup, Sudirman Cup, and SEA Games.
Jojo’s popularity skyrocketed after he clinched the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. The victory was an emotional moment for Indonesians nationwide. Yet, in sports, triumph and defeat go hand in hand.
In 2024, Jojo made history by winning the All England title. However, the euphoria was short-lived as he was eliminated in the group stage of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The loss was a harsh blow, prompting him to apologize to the Indonesian public.
Even so, Jojo emphasized that he wouldn’t let guilt weigh him down for long.
I believe an athlete’s journey is not only defined by victories but also by how they rise from failures.
Jonatan Christie embodies an unending struggle of perseverance. With the dedication and consistency he has displayed, the prospects for future achievements remain bright.
I will keep fighting.
