RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian swimmer Jason Donovan views the 2026 Indonesian National Aquatics Championships as a crucial stage in his preparation for the Asian Games, using the event to refine performance and rebuild peak fitness.

Speaking at the competition held at the Gelora Bung Karno Aquatic Stadium in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the SEA Games 2025 gold medalist said his focus remains on long-term improvement rather than immediate results.

“So, at the Asian Games later, I want to be more focused, fitter, and train harder,” Jason said, as quoted by Antara. He admitted that his current preparation is not yet optimal, as the season is still in its early phase.

“Since it’s still early in the year, there are still several things that can be improved. My training might still be lacking in some areas, so there’s room to step up going forward,” he added.

Jason explained that his current training program prioritizes endurance development and technical refinement across all events he is competing in.

Despite competing at regional and international levels, he noted that domestic competition in Indonesia remains highly competitive and valuable for development.

“Indonesia’s level is still strong. Even in Southeast Asia, it’s still competitive, so the domestic competition is quite tight,” he continued.

At the national championships, Jason is competing in five events, including the 100-meter backstroke. Given that he is still recovering full fitness after the SEA Games, he set realistic expectations for his performance.

“The target is probably just to get close to my best time, because I’m not yet as fit as I was during the SEA Games,” Jason concluded.

Looking ahead, Jason aims to increase training intensity and reach peak physical condition in time for the Asian Games, where he hopes to deliver his best performance. ***