By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – If there’s a way, Filipino-British gymnast Jake Jarman would love to represent the Philippines in the future.
This was revealed no less by gymnastics president Cynthia Carreon on Saturday during the first day of the gymnastics competition in the Paris Olympics here.
But there are many obstacles.
First, he must obtain clearance from the British authorities, which according to Carreon, will be the biggest stumbling block to his bid.
“If he really wants to represent the Philippines then I will write the British authorities, then if they allow him, I will ask clearance from the IF (international federation),” said Carreon. “That’s another hurdle.”
If Jarman has a Philippine passport, it would be easier for him to switch federation just like the case of Canadian swimmer Kayla Sanchez.
Sanchez took part in the Tokyo Games, winning two medals for Canada before opting to suit up for the country a year after.
Sanchez is now competing here as part of Team Philippines.
Jarman’s mother is from Cebu and had happy memories with the fine beaches in the South.
It’s also no secret that the Jarmans lived for two years in Cebu before moving to Peterborough where the young Jarman started to make waves.
He made history two years ago when he won a record four golds in the Commonwealth Games. He reigned in the team and individual all around, floor exercise and vault to become the first English gymnast to win four golds at a singles Games.
Jarman, however, is a big thorn to Yulo’s bid for Olympic glory – they will clash in three finals events – floor exercise, vault and all around.
Though the two are good friends, they promised to have a war to remember.
