LED by Olympian Cris Nievarez, the national rowing team won two gold medals and a bronze on the first day of the Thailand championships.
Last April 25, 2023, the Philippine rowers flew to Pattaya, Thailand for the Asian Qualifiers of the ANOC World Beach Games and the Asian Rowing Beach Sprints Championships. Nievarez and Zuriel Sumintac delivered the first gold for the Philippines in the Coastal Men’s Double Sculls (CM2x).
Edgar Ilas and Joanie Delgaco then followed suit in the Coastal Mixed Double Sculls (CMix2x), before Amelyn Pagulayan and Kristine Paraon bagged a bronze in the Coastal Women’s Double Sculls (CW2x) to conclude the first day of finals for the competition.
With more races coming, the national rowing team is preparing for more potential victories from Nievarez in the Men’s Solo (CM1x) and Feiza Lenton in the distaff side.
Beach sprints and coastal rowing are a growing sport that branched out from the traditional sport of rowing.
Held in open water venues, coastal rowing borrows its foundation from the techniques performed in rowing.
“It is an interesting development of the sport that requires an even greater emphasis for strength, balance, and speed from the rowers,” said PRA president Patrick C. Gregorio.
“Our success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, SMART, and Maynilad. Special thanks to Cavite Gov. Juanito Victor C. Remulla and Rep. Aniela Bianca D. Tolentino for allowing the team to train in Ternate, Cavite,” said Gregorio.
“Lastly, our sincere appreciation to UP CHK associate dean and Ternate Rowing Academy Project Director Norberto R. Madrigal, Liza Leonardo of Abucana Glam Camp, and Wilfredo Villacarlos of Lorette de Mar beach resort, for making sure that all the needs of the athletes and coaches readily available during their preparation,” he added.