Jonatan Christie dedicates Olympic debut to his late brother who succumbed to Covid-19
The Indonesian took time off from badminton to care for his elder sibling in his final days battling the virus.
Badminton
Indonesia's Jonatan Christie is dedicating his Olympic debut to his late brother, Ivan, who passed away from the Covid-19 virus this year.
The tournament seventh seed is expected to content for the title at Tokyo 2020 and shared after winning his opening round that he is intent on putting his best foot forward in memory of his elder sibling Ivan.
“This is for him and I want to do my best for him.” - Jonatan Christie to Olympic Information Service
The 2018 Asian Games champion first learnt that his elder brother had contracted the virus back home in Indonesia while he was away competing at the Thailand Open in February.
The 23-year-old's father, mother and brother all ended up in the hospital and upon his return he switched from being badminton player to care-giver.
“My mother and father were ill at the same time, but in a different hospital to my brother,” he said. “I was going to my father and mother’s hospital, and then in the evening I was going to my brother’s hospital, so I had to take time out for them.”
Ivan succumbed to the virus, and Christie was faced with the agonising decision of whether to inform his sick parents of the death of their son.
“After my brother passed away, I have not told my mother and father for maybe one week," he confessed.
"I kept it to myself. After my father and mother were good again, then I had to tell them. Of course, my mother was crying a lot.
“My mother and my father are good (now), and today we stay connected for them. They are happy to see me in the Olympics.”
On Saturday, (24 July) the Indonesian made his Olympic debut and sealed victory at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza after defeating Aram Mahmoud from the Refugee Olympic Team.
He won in straight sets, 21-8, 21-14 and was pleased with the outcome.
"I'm happy to get the win in this first match. I'm excited about this tournament and I want to show my best." - Jonatan Christie to Olympics.com
Christie is leaning on his good friend and Jakarta room mate, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, who is also competing in Tokyo, for moral support.
Indonesia will look to both players in hopes of wrestling back the men's singles title last won by Taufik Hidayat at Athens 2004.
Ginting shared his thoughts on how Ivan's passing has effected Christie.
"It has certainly become a big source of motivation for Jonatan Christie, especially because he lost a very close family member." - Anthony Sinisuka Ginting to Olympics.com
Both athletes have always spurred each other to greater heights, and in Tokyo they can support each other as they share the experience of their first Olympic Games.
"As his room mate both here and in Jakarta, I will help to support him in any way that I can. We are thankful to have each other."