Now Becoming an Artist, These 10 Indonesian Celebrities Were Former Successful Athletes - Gold Medalists

Kapanlagi.com - Many Indonesian artists start their careers in the entertainment world from modeling, role auditions, casting, to talent search events. However, unlike some of these celebrities, they were previously athletes.

Not just any athletes, some of these celebs have represented Indonesia in international sports events. Not only that, they have even brought medals for Indonesia. Who are they? Find out here!

1. Tya Ariestya

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Before entering the entertainment world, Tya Ariestya was a taekwondo champion. She has won several awards and medals.

Starting taekwondo at the age of 12, Tya Ariestya has competed in the Indonesia Open. And during the competition, Tya managed to win 8 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 1 bronze medal.

And in 2012, Tya was appointed as the Ambassador of Taekwondo Indonesia until 2013.

2. Denny Sumargo

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For basketball lovers, the name Denny Sumargo is certainly not unfamiliar. Yes, it can be said that Densu is one of the living legends of Indonesian basketball.

Since playing basketball, Denny Sumargo has won several awards. As the best player, IBL champion, and other awards, as well as being part of the Indonesian national team in international basketball events.

And in 2013, during his prime, Densu decided to retire from the sport that had made his name. Since then, he has started to venture into the entertainment world in Indonesia. He has starred in several films.

3. Iko Uwais

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Iko Uwais became known since he starred in the movie MERANTAU in 2009. And his name skyrocketed when he played in THE RAID and his subsequent films.

Before entering the entertainment world, Iko Uwais was a silat athlete. At the age of 10, Iko had already learned Betawi martial arts at his uncle's school, Tiga Berantai martial arts.

Since becoming a martial arts athlete, Iko has achieved several accomplishments, including being the 3rd place winner in DKI Jakarta's silat competition and winning the Best Solo Adult Performance at the Cibubur Silat Festival.

And Iko Uwais' martial arts skills have been recognized worldwide. He has even received invitations to compete in silat competitions abroad. His actions have even caught the attention of Hollywood.

4. Joe Taslim

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Joe Taslim's name began to be known when he starred in the film THE RAID with Iko Uwais. And his name skyrocketed and became internationally known when he starred in the films FAST FURIOUS and STAR TREK.

Similar to Iko Uwais, before entering the world of acting, Joe Taslim was a successful judo athlete.

Joe Taslim also contributed a silver medal for Indonesia. Including at the 2007 SEA Games and a gold medal at the South East Asia Judo Championship in Singapore in 1999.

However, unfortunately, a serious injury led Joe Taslim to retire as an athlete.

5. Hannah Al Rasyid

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Hannah Al Rasyid, a beautiful mixed-race actress known for her tomboyish nature, is a pencak silat athlete. Although born and raised in London, England, Hannah was directly taught pencak silat by her father.

In fact, because of her skill in this authentic Indonesian martial art, Hannah was chosen as the representative of England in international pencak silat competitions.

6. Prisia Nasution

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Beautiful actress and producer Prisia Nasution has been practicing the martial art of pencak silat since she was in junior high school. She even joined a national training camp for Indonesian pencak silat.

As an athlete, Prisia is quite active in participating in national pencak silat competitions. Most recently, Prisia participated in the Regional Sports Week (Porda) in 2007.

As a martial artist, Prisia often utilizes her skills in the films she stars in.

7. Olivia Zalianty

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Marcella Zalianty's younger sister, Olivia Zalianty, is a wushu athlete. Although she is no longer active, Olivia has brought honor to Indonesia through this Chinese sport.

She has already received several international awards and medals for Indonesia. Most recently, this 38-year-old woman participated in the Traditional Wushu Road to Asian Games 2018 and won a gold medal.

8. Donny Kesuma

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Senior actor, Donny Kesuma was a former softball player in his youth. Even until now, he is very committed to developing this sport.

Starting softball since high school, Donny was a member of the junior team of DKI Jakarta. After a year in the junior team, Donny was called up to join the senior team and represent the national team.

Throughout his career, Donny once held the title of the fastest pitcher in Asia for 5 consecutive years, from 1996 to 2001.

9. Samuel Rizal

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An actor known for the movie EIFFEL I'M IN LOVE, Samuel Rizal started his career as a basketball player. Samuel Rizal began his basketball career with the Satria Muda team.

As a basketball player, Samuel can be said to have quality. This was proven when he represented Indonesia in a three-on-three event in Taiwan. Samuel has also been a member of the Indonesian junior national team.

10. Cinta Laura

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Who would have thought that this beautiful mixed German-Indonesian actress is a former successful swimmer. This was revealed in one of Cinta Laura's friend's posts.

When she was a teenager, Cinta Laura was a successful swimmer. Throughout her swimming career, Cinta won 10 gold medals, 7 silver medals, and 7 bronze medals in international school swimming championships across Indonesia.

However, due to her appendectomy and for the sake of her health, Cinta Laura decided to retire early.

(kpl/dwn)