BMX rider Danny Caluag of Team Philippines spilled shortly after taking off, and suffered bruises on Thursday morning on the second day of his Birmingham training ahead of the 30th Olympic Games.
The 25-year-old Fil-American slid as he was about to negotiate a turn after a ride down a high ramp while in the midst of a workout, forcing him to skip riding for a few more laps and deciding to go back to the team vehicle for the long drive back to the Athletes Village.
“Nothing to worry about. It’s normal in BMX,” said Caluag, folding his sweater to show some purple marks on his right hand and right shoulder to Team Philippines chief of mission Manny Lopez and administrative officer Arsenic Lacson as girlfriend Stephanie looked on.
According to Stephanie, Danny ‘s pedal handler unclipped as he biked down a ramp about eight meters high, sending him to slide for a few meters.
Stephanie, who is also Caluag’s mechanic and a BMX rider, too, realized there was nothing to fear for when his boyfriend got up after a few seconds and smiled.
“When he got up, carried his bike and smiled at me, I know he’s okay,” said Stephanie
Since arriving last week at the Village, the 5-foot-6, 170-pound son of a Filipino couple who migrated to the US, has trained two times in Birmingham, site of the last world championship where he gained enough points to make it to the Olympics as the only Asian qualifier among 32 entries.
He’s one of three members of the 11-member Team Philippines who have yet to see action almost halfway through the 14-day global sporting meet. The others are long jumper Marestella Torres and 5000-meter bet Rene Herrera .
Caluag will open his bid on August 8 when he competes in one of the four ranking races set at a specially-constructed facility inside the Olympic Park.
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