Big splash for Philippines' paddlers?Thursday, 02 November, 2006
Philippine paddlers are hoping to make a big splash at Doha 2006. The men’s canoe and kayaking coach predicted medal glory for her young team, perhaps even a silver.
The prediction may be tempting fate, however, given many in her team are still relatively inexperienced at an international level.
They are, however, determined, according to their coach: “We are optimistic of bringing home a medal, maybe even silver. This is a young team composed of athletes who have developed discipline and technique at a very young age,” national coach Leonora Escollante told the Philippines' newspaper, The Inquirer.
Southeast Asian (SEA) Game bronze medallist Marvin Amposta will lead the four-strong squad. He was the best Southeast Asian paddler during the 35th ICF flat-water racing World Championships Seniors held in Szeged, Hungary, in August.
At 19 years of age, Amposta is the veteran of the crew. In Doha, he will see action in the 1000m and 500m kayak singles. This last event secured him bronze at the SEA Games.
He will join John Oliver Victorio,18 years-old, in the 500m doubles' canoe. Victorio won the silver for this event during the 2005 SEA Games, with then-partner Jeremiah Tambor, who’s out of the Doha 2006 with injury.
Danny Punelas is listed for the 1000m singles' canoe, while 17 year-old Norwel Cajes will be the Filipino bet in the 500m singles (canoe), the same event in which he won bronze during last year’s SEA Games.
Escollante, who placed 7th during the Busan Games four years ago, said they are banking on strength of character in facing world-class competition from China and Japan.
Coach Escollante and captain Amposta have left for Doha ahead of the rest of the team, who depart for Doha on 1 December, to secure four boats they will rent for competitions.
“It’s very important that we get there early, because if we are late we might get inferior, heavier craft,” said Escollante.
Source: www.doha-2006.com
