On Monday, Indonesian president Joko Widodo thanked Filipino surfer Roger Casugay for saving his compatriot at the Southeast Asian Games.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Roger Casugay / Composite photos from DW and United Philippine Surfing Association
"Winning the competition and upholding sportsmanship is important, but humanity is above all," Widodo tweeted in his native language.
"My appreciation for Roger Casugay, a Filipino surfer who gave up the golden opportunity to help Indonesian athletes who fell in the race. Greetings from Indonesia."
Photo from President Widodo's Twitter account
On Friday, December 6, Casugay went viral on social media when he rescued Arip Nurhidayat from getting swept away as his Indonesian rival got "pounded by triple overhead bomb waves" after his surfboard leash broke in the middle of the competition.
Casugay won a rematch against Nurhidayat yesterday and bested fellow Filipino surfer Rogelio Esquivel for the gold medal.
Photo from United Philippine Surfing Association
Photo from United Philippine Surfing Association
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Source: GMA News Online
