Nicole Diamante and Pauline Obebe stamped their class once again, winning three gold medals each in their respective divisions in the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (COPA) Reunion Challenge National Finals on Saturday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RSMC).
Diamante, 11, ruled the girls 11-yrs-old 100m backstroke Class A, clocking 1:19.85; the 50-m freestyle at 32.08 seconds and 200m free in timed of 2:37.00 as she boosted her bid for the Most Outstanding Swimmer (MOS) in her age-group class with a total of 9 gold medals.
Not to be outdone, Obebe, the pride of Aqua Sprint Swim, humbled the field in the girls 12-yrs old class, claiming the gold medals in the 100m back at 1:19.66; the 50m free at 29.59, and 200m free, clocking 2:30.58.
“Sinusunod ko lang po yung mga sinasabi ni coach. Doble kasiyahan po sa akin at sa team kung mapipili akong MOS awardee. Pipilitin ko pang madagdagan yung mga medals ko,” said Diamante.
Other winners: Kisses Libat of Green Blaster in the girls 11 class B 100m back (1:27.55); Victoria Vitog of Aquanights (1:53.88); Jhoey Gallaro of Swim Kings in 14yrs class B (29.58); Xian Espinas of Naawan Watersharks, class C (32.06), Anjolie Novillas of, Ral Rosario Swim ( 32.31 15).
Tournament Director and COPA Board member Chito Rivera expressed his gratitude to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Noli Eala for sponsoring the event.
“Ginawa naming apat na araw ang tournament para mas mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga bata na makapag-ensayo nang todo , gayundin hindi siksikan sa venue,” said Rivera.
