THE bagged two silver medals in the 2018 ICF World Dragon Boat Championships at the Lake Lanier Olympic Park in Gainesville, Georgia.
The Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation team was beaten to the top prize by Hungary in the 10-seater senior men’s 500 meters.
The Hungarians clocked 2:05.021 to beat the Filipinos (2:06.18), with Czech Republic placing third, more than three seconds behind the winner.
The Filipinos also placed second in the 20-seater senior mixed 2000m behind the Czech Republic.
“We were forced to take a longer route because we might bump the boat of the United States on the last turn,” said national team coach Len Escollante.
They were released third out of seven teams from the starting line and chased down the Americans, who had the inner lane on the final bend.
“That costed us approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Still, we were able to earn a medal and I’m proud of what this team has accomplished,” said Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation president Jonne Go.
The Czech Republic won the 2000m in eight minutes and 42.47 seconds while the Philippines clocked 8:43.98. Hungary, which overtook Germany in the last 500m, crossed the finish line in 8:46.22 for the bronze.
Paddlers Mark Jhon Frias, Jordan De Guia, Arche Baylosis, Loberstan Duayao, John Lester Delos Santos, Jerome Solis, John James Pelagio, Miflone Puzon and Franc Feliciano form the core of 20-seater 200m senior mixed category.
Joining them are lady paddlers Apple Jane Abitona, Raquel Almencion, Lealyn Baligasa, drummer Patricia Ann Bustamante and steerer Maribeth Caranto as the Filipinos go for golds medals on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).
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