Rower Cris Nievarez (Photo from PRA Facebook page)
MANILA – Rower Cris Nievarez became the eighth Filipino who will see action in this year's Tokyo Olympics.
The Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) confirmed the development on Monday.
"We are happy to share that the Philippine Rowing Association received confirmation from World Rowing that we have qualified for the Men's Single Sculls (M1x) for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Congratulations, Cris!," the PRA said in a short statement.
Asked for his reaction, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez said he is expecting Nievarez to pull it through.
"I know that Cris and the entire rowing team worked hard for this. It is well-deserved," Ramirez said.
Nievarez finished ninth overall in the Olympic qualifiers recently in Tokyo.
However, with a lot of factors like Japan, which won four regatta events in the qualifiers, also hosting the Olympics, the world rankings, and some universality rules, Nievarez got the nod.
He will join weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz; boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno, Nesthy Petecio, and Carlo Paalam; gymnast Carlos Yulo; and pole vaulter EJ Obiena as the Philippines' representatives to the Tokyo Olympics.
"The PSC will keep supporting him as much as we can on this quest," Ramirez said. "In my book, any athlete who through his actions inspires ---- whether one small child or a whole generation to become better --- is already a champion. And this is what our athletes are to our people. They stand as beacons of hope. An inspiration to keep fighting and to never give up." (PNA)
