by Nick Giongco
CAPAS, Tarlac – James Deiparine’s gold medal in the 100-meter breaststroke won’t be the last the Philippine swim squad will produce in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
Swimming boss Lani Velasco is upbeat all the other members of the team were energized by Deiparine’s landmark win at the newly-built Aquatics Center inside the New Clark City.
“I am confident that this won’t be the only gold medal (we’ll win),” said Velasco, stressing that the rest are motivated to do well in the coming days.
Last time the Philippines bagged a gold in the SEAG was in 2009 in Laos behind the four delivered by Miguel Molina (two gold medals), Daniel Coakley and Ryan Arabejo.
Velasco revealed that she was very positive about Deiparine’s chances as the 26-year-old Fil-Am came very close to winning it two years ago in Malaysia.
Deiparine will get another chance to win another when he competes in the 50-meter.
“This would not have been possible without the support of the Philippine Sports Commission, said Velasco.
During the first day of competitions, Remedy Rule was just two hundredth of a second from winning gold in the 200 butterfly.
Veteran Jasmine Alkhaldi also bagged the bronze in the 100m free.
