Lukman Niode, a 1984 Olympian from Indonesia died on Friday at age 56 after testing positive for COVID-19, though the cause of death has not been officially released, according to news outlets.
Niode was a nine-time Southeast Asia Gold Medalist in the backstroke events.
His death was announced by the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI), which paid tribute to its former official, coach and team manager on Facebook, saying that “the world of sports and aquatics Indonesia has lost one of its best sons,” according to The Straits Times.
According to reports, fellow national swimmer Richard Sam Bera said on Facebook that Lukman had been in an induced coma in the intensive care unit of Pelni Hospital, before his death on Friday.
Lukman reached the biggest stage in swimming at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, swimming in the 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 200 backstroke events for his country.
Former swimmer Oon Jin Teik, who also competed at the 1984 Olympics, told The Straits Times how he and Lukman became friends.
“Lukie was a talented sportsman and a real gentleman,” Oon said. “After retiring from swimming, we became friends who helped each other in promoting sports. I used to share much about Singapore swimming and Singapore Sports Hub with him, knowing that he had a single mission to uplift the level of Indonesian sports. We also discussed the challenges of today’s sports ecosystem.
“Sports just lost a legend… I am totally devastated.”
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Geez. I’ve got a big myself, and Someone asked me the other day if it might be the virus. I scoffed, “right. Gonna take more than that to pull down a swimmer.”.
Maybe not. even the mighty are falling. RIP Lukeman
So sorry ;[
Rip ??♀️?
ROP.
Omg! RIP ?
RIP
“…though the cause of death has not been officially released, according to news outlets.”
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Very sorry to hear,
Swam against him in 84 JC state Championships.
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So sorry
Rip ?♀️??♀️
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So really sorry
Very very sad – my commiserations to his family and friends.
Prayers
So sad. ???
Geeze Swimming World…did you buy stock in the new vax?? Unfair to mislead ….anyone can be tested positive on PCR …condolences to all family and friends.
So very sad. Rest in peace. Prayers and condolences to the family.?❤
My condolences to his family and friends.
Condolences to all family and friends. RIP