(Courtesy of Philippine Rowing Association)
MANILA – Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino hopes that the current and next generation of athletes will draw inspiration from rower Cris Nievarez.
Nievarez became the first Filipino rower to make it to the Olympics after 21 years and third overall.
"We’re proud that we have an Olympic rower for the third time -- an inspiration, too, for our athletes and youth," Tolentino said on Monday, hours after the Philippine Rowing Association confirmed Nievarez's qualification.
Ed Maerina was the first Filipino rower who competed in the Olympics in 1988 Seoul Games followed by Benjie Tolentino in the 2000 Sydney edition.
Nievarez is an example of not giving up on his Olympic dreams, the POC chief said.
He finished fifth overall in the men's singles sculls category during the Olympic qualifiers in Tokyo last week and ninth overall in the qualification system.
World Rowing, however, included the Philippines among the five Asia-Oceania countries that will get Olympic slots through the continental qualification regattas.
The qualification was secured due to Japan's Olympic hosting, India, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam getting spots through the Olympic qualifying event, and Hong Kong and Indonesia taking spots through the world rankings. (PNA)
