PH speed skaters to focus on bettering personal bests in SEAG

MANILA — The Philippine speed skating team aims to set new personal best records for each member in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.

That, according to Coach Chino Mulingtapang, is apart from going for the gold.

The national team is fresh from scoring two gold medals and a bunch of other medals in the Singapore Southeast Asian Trophy, boosting the squad’s hopes of landing at least one gold in the SEAG.

Further adding to the probability is the fact that the team will host the event.

“We do have a big chance as a team,” Mulingtapang said.

However, team member Kevin Villanueva sees Singapore as a threat to the Philippine side.

“Solid po kasi ang lineup nila ngayon (Their present lineup is solid),” Villanueva said of the Singaporeans led by Trevor Tan.

There is a possibility that the Philippine team would bump into Tan when it begins its training camp in South Korea next week.

“Doon po kami magte-training for at least one month (We will train there for at least one month),” Mulingtapang said, baring the length of the team’s stay in Korea.

Also waiting in the wings for the Nationals are Kath Magno, Julian Macaraeg, and Mark Gonzales, who are training in the United States. (PNA)