Boast! The story of Alaina, a Tebuireng Science Middle School student at the World Olympics

Tebuireng.online— Not all middle school students are able to talk about their life ambitions so calmly and confidently. However, that is what radiates from the figure of Alaina Zidfakhira Bittuqo, a class 9C student at Tebuireng Science Middle School, who has just made a proud achievement at the national Olympics.

Novotel Hotel Mangga Dua Square, North Jakarta, in 2026, will be the place where Alaina won the Silver Medalist in the English for Speakers of Other Language International Olympiad (ESOLIO) National Round. This achievement is an important step in his long journey in the Olympic world, especially in the field of English.

Also Read: Inspirational! Watch the Journey of Middle School Science Students at the BBB International Olympics

This teenager was born on June 8 2011 and now lives in Ngaliyan, Semarang. Alaina is not someone new to competition. Even though ESOLIO is only his second experience at the national level, he already understands the competition atmosphere very well. However, according to him, the Olympics this time felt different. “Perhaps what is most different about this competition is the vibe and the committee. The vibe is more formal than the others, and the committee is more interactive,” he said when interviewed, (23/1).

For Alaina, taking part in the Olympics is not just a competition for skills. There is a special excitement that he feels every time he competes. “It’s exciting because I was able to win and gain new experience,” he said. However, this achievement is not the end point. In fact, he views every competition as the first part of his big dream.

“I want to win another championship, in another field, in a higher level competition. Every competition I have participated in until now is only the initial stage of my true ambitions,” he said firmly using the language he really liked.

Also Read: Historic Debut! Tebuireng Science Middle School Students Pass Quarantine Guk Yuk Little Jombang 2026

Interestingly, Alaina doesn’t feel like she’s anything special. With honesty that is rare for a teenager his age, he said, “To be honest, I don’t think there’s much interesting about me. It’s just me, always has been and always will be.” However, behind that simple statement, there is persistence that often leads him to achieve valuable achievements and experiences.

“I am happy to be able to win and gain new experiences,” he added.

The journey of achievement certainly does not always run smoothly. Alaina admits that there are challenges that she often faces before the competition. “Sometimes I’m too confident, so I’m not careful when doing the questions. I also often feel uncomfortable or unwell during the competition,” he said honestly.

When asked about her hopes for the Olympics, Alaina didn’t just talk about medals. “I hope that from the Olympics I can gain a lot of experience, knowledge and memories,” he said.

Also Read: Good at Coding! Tebuireng Science Middle School Students Win Winners at the 2025 International Islamic Robotic Olympiad (IISRO)

His love for English was not something that appeared suddenly. This language has been part of his life since childhood. “I didn’t choose to like English, I made my first memories speaking the language. The first words spoken to me were in English,” he said.

In fact, according to him, English has shaped his personality and life path. “It is a central part of my being, my personality and my passions, in fact some, if not the most important part of my life, formed through every syllable of every word and phrase I have accumulated over the years I have spent in this life.”

Also Read: Science Middle School Students Win 1st Place in Jombang Ministry of Religion’s Modernization Dai Da’wah 2025

The achievements achieved by Alaina Zidfakhira Bittuqo are not only a matter of personal pride, but also make Tebuireng Science Middle School proud. More than that, his story is a reminder that behind a medal, there is a long process, honesty with oneself, and big dreams that are maintained from an early age.

---

---

Reporter: trough
Editor: Rara Zarary