PH Paddlers Rack Up Two More Golds in Dragon Boat Championship
Filipino paddlers tore it up in the 2018 ICF World Dragon Boat Championship in Georgia. They claimed two gold medals in both the 10-seater and 20-seater senior mixed 200-meter races held at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park.
The Philippine team led by veteran paddlers Hermie Macaranas and Mark Jhon Frias were able to bag the win in the final 50 meters, recording a 50.46 time in the small boat.
France came in second place with 53.056 seconds while Hungary placed third with 53.158. United States was in fourth place (53.463) with Italy (53.9) and Germany (54.437) bringing up the rear.
Better, faster, stronger
With this result, the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation paddlers have already surpassed their medal tally in the 2016 edition of the same event in Moscow, Russia.
“On a shorter course such as the 200-meters, you need to produce faster and powerful strokes to become successful,” said Coach Diomedes Manalo.
In the big boat, the Philippine team remained unstoppable and captured their fourth gold registering 43.481 seconds in the race to defeat Czech Republic with 46.082 seconds, and the US with 46.146 seconds.
The last three spots in the race were taken by Hungary (46.791), Germany (48.040), and Canada (50.242).
In total, the Pinoy paddlers bagged four gold medals in the event and two silvers in the senior men’s 500-meters and the big boat senior mixed 2000-meters.
“Congratulations to our dragon boat athletes for improving on their medal tally from their last world championship,” said Jeremy Go who supported the squad along with the Philippine Sports Commission.
“Despite all the struggle and adversity, our team has come out on top and continues to impress.”
More gold awaits
After this successful World Championship campaign, the Pinoy paddlers have a chance to win another gold medal in the 10-seater senior men 200-m on Sunday (Monday, Manila time).
The team composed of Jordan De Guia, John Paul Selencio, Lee Robin Santos, Jonathan Ruz, Daniel Ortega, Reymart Nevado, John Lester Delos Santos, Christine Mae Talledo, Sharmaine Mangilit, Apple Jane Abitona, Raquel Almencion, and Lealyn Baligasa will participate in the big boat senior mixed 200-m.
The designated steersman is Maribeth Caranto, while the drummer is Patricia Ann Bustamante.
Two years ago, the Filipinos won three golds, one silver, and two bronze medals in the World Championship. They have surpassed that record and are looking to add more.
