MANILA – Filipino paddlers kicked off their campaign in the 2018 International Canoe Federation World Dragon Boat Championships with two gold medals at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia, USA.
The Philippine delegation first ruled the 10-seater senior mixed 500m event before winning the 20-seater senior mixed 500m event to lay claim as the world champion in the competitions Friday.
Led by Patricia Bustamante and Maribeth Caranto, the Philippines ruled the 10-seater 500m event in 2 minutes, 7.5 seconds to beat Hungary (2:11.36) and host United States (2:11.86).
The team from the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation, meanwhile, captured the 20-seater 500m event in 1:52.58, defeating Hungary (1:55.09) and Czech Republic (1:55.14).
“They really wanted to prove something out there and they never lost focus despite the strong opposition,” PCKDF president Jonne Go said in a statement.
The Philippine team will aim for more gold medals at the close of the competition Sunday behind Asian Games competitors Hermie Macaranas and Ojay Fuentes, Mark Frias, Reymart Nevado, John Paul Selencio, and Oliver Manaig in the 10-seater men’s final round.
Meanwhile women paddlers Raquel Almencion, Rosalyn Esguerra, Rhea Rhoa, and Christine Talledo will team up with Bustamante and Caranto in the small boat mixed category.
“We never doubted the team’s ability to win. Once again, they showed the world that we Filipinos are world-class in this sport,” said Jeremy Go, whose company Go for Gold bankrolled the team together with the Philippine Sports Commission./PN
