Asean schools gymnastics fires off Wednesday Jasmine W. Payo Inquirer
November 14, 2006
EXPECT nothing fancy from the Philippine junior team in the 12th Asean Schools Gymnastic Championship.
“A simple routine but perfect,” said national gymnastics coach Sonny Ty. “The coaches thought it’s better that way.”
Ty has high hopes for his young gymnasts when the five-nation competition kicks off Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“All our gymnasts are focused,” said Ty. “Most of them are in top condition, but it will still depend on the actual competition . It will be up to the gymnasts on how they will accept the pressure -- how steady they would be, how flawless, no wobbles. The crucial part is always the landing.”
Four medals will be at stake Wednesday in the individual all-around and team artistic competitions. The women’s event will start at 9 a.m., right before the 1 p.m. opening ceremony. Men’s action will begin at 3 p.m.
Teen bets Patricia Paraso, Kristine Raissa Saguisag, Frederic Lee Rocas and Kris Lombridas will lead the RP campaign in the artistic competition.
Nica Calapatan, a bronze medalist in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games, will lead the national team in the rhythmic event starting Friday.
“They are the top juniors in the Philippines,” said Ty. “They’ve been training for three months. They’ve been doing well in training.”
The Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore will each field in 14 gymnasts, while Indonesia will parade 11 participants in the four-day competition.
A total of 20 gold medals will be up for grabs in the individual and team events -- eight in the men’s artistic, six in the women’s artistic and six in rhythmic.
