Philippines Won 2 Bronze Medals In World Ice Dragon Boat Championship In China
The Philippines has bagged at least two bronze gold medals in the 1st World Ice Dragon Boat Championship held in Dolon Nor, China.
The Filipino paddlers had trained on the murky Pasig River full of water lilies without snow or ice, which enabled them to net two bronze medals in world ice dragon boat competition.
The competition was participated by over 25 different countries all around the world, which was held in Dolon Nor, China.
The 12-man Philippines contestant defied the frigid atmosphere and was able to place third in the competition after finishing the 200-meter mixer 10-seater category.
The Philippine dragonboat team finished the race about 48.34 seconds behind silver medalist Hungary with 47.48 seconds, and gold winner Russia who topped the race with 44.99 seconds.
“We have zero experience in skiing, especially in this kind of weather. Our water lily training in Taytay (in Rizal) proved beneficial and allowed us to keep up with the competition.” Head coach Len Escollante said quoted by Inquirer.
The Filipinos got another bronze medal as the temperature dropped to -27 degree Celsius during a 100-meter event.
The Philippine team finished the race in 26.63 seconds behind Russia with 25.34 seconds, and Hungary who topped the race with 25.25 seconds.
Jonne Go, the president of Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation said that the team only missed one of six events during the race and advanced to the finals of five events.
Go, a top executive of the Philippine Olympic Committee also joined the team as the drummer, while Escollante was the steersman.
The 10-man mixed crews are Mark Jhon Frias, Lee Robin Santos, Jonathan Ruz, John Paul Selencio, Jericho Noay, John James Pelagio, Raquel Almencion, Glaiza Liwag, Apple Jane Abitona and Chiva Angela Abanilla.
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