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By Emil C. Noguera, Correspondent
AFTER a satisfactory showing in the 24th
Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine rowing team is now focusing on
the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Citing the big improvement in their counterparts
during the Thailand Games, Amateur Rowers Association of the
Philippines President Benjie Ramos said his wards will be very busy
next year in preparation for the Olympic qualifying tournaments.
“We have to make our rowers more competitive
because the Olympic qualifying tournament will be tough,” said
Ramos. “Kailangang tutukan ng husto ang mga atleta natin.”
Ramos expressed satisfaction with the
Philippines’ two golds, two silvers and two bronzes feat in the
biennial meet.
Sydney Olympian Benjie Tolentino accounted for
two mints as he topped the men’s lightweight singles sculls and
men’s doubles sculls along with Jose Rodriguez.
The two silver medals came from Alvin Amposta
and Nestor Cordova in the men’s lightweight
doubles sculls, and Nida Cordova and Midelle Gabiligno in the
women’s doubles sculls.
Rodriguez also took the bronze in the men’s
singles sculls while Cordova and Gabiligno delivered the other
bronze in the women’s lightweight doubles sculls.
“Our athletes will be facing a tough challenge
in the Olympic qualifying tournaments and we hope to get enough
funding so we can prepare them for the big battle ahead,” stressed
Ramos.
Ramos named Tolentino, Rodriguez, Cordova and
Amposta as possible entries in the first qualifying tournament on
April in Shanghai, China.
“We don’t have the final lineup yet but we
are looking for possibilities to send the four to China,” Ramos
said.
“We will also monitor the records of our other
athletes during training so we can also give chance to those who
will submit better time,” he added.
The top six rowers in the singles events and top
three pairs in the double events will automatically qualify in the
Beijing Games.
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