Nicole Diamante and Pauline Obebe clinched a fourth gold medal in their respective classes to formalize their claim for the Most Outstanding Swimmers (MOS) at the closed of Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. (COPA) Reunion Challenge National Finals on Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) in Malate, Manila.
The pride of RSS Dolphins Swim Team, Diamante claimed her fourth gold medal after winning the girls 11-year-old old Individual Medley by clocking 3:09.99, while Obebe dominated the same event in the 12-yrs-old class with a time of 2:51.27 to become the meet’s multi-gold medal winners.
Diamante and Obebe were adjudged most outstanding performers in the tournament co-presented by the Manlalangoy ng Pilipinas and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) under Chairman Noli Eala, Speedo and Milo.
“Bonus na po ito sa akin. Hindi ko naman po target ito basta sinusunod ko lang ang sinasabi ni coach. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga taong tumutulong sa akin, gayundin po sa COPA na patuloy na nagbibigay sa amin ng maayos na mga tournament,” said Diamante.
Obebe of Aquanights swim club agreed readily, saying the support of private sectors enabled to perform beyond her expectation.
They are expected to spearhead the National Capital Region (NCR) swimming team in the PSC’s Batang Pinoy National Finals on Dec. 17-25 in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
COPA secretary general and tournament director Chito Rivera helped former national coach Richard Luna in awarding the medals and trophies to the winners.
“We’re very thankful to all swimmers and to all club managers who have joined our tournament. We assured everyone, even non-COPA teams that they can compete in the coming COPA tournaments,” said Rivera.
Other winners: Danna Santiago Class C girls 200m (3:35.81), 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).
