Nicole Diamante and Pauline Obebe clinched their fourth gold medals each in their respective classes to formalize their claim as the Most Outstanding Swimmers of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. Reunion Challenge National Finals on Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso swimming pool inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila.
The 11-year-old Diamante, the pride of the RSS Dolphins Swim Team, claimed her fourth gold medal after winning the girls’ 11-yr-old Individual medley, clocking 3:09.99, while Obebe matched the effort after dominating the same event in the 12-yr-old class with a time of 2:51.27 to become the meet’s multi-gold medal winners.
Counting their performances in the past three legs of the Reunion Series, Diamante and Obebe were adjudged as MOS awardees in the tournament co-presented by the Samahang Manlalangoy ng Pilipinas and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, 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 the Aquanights Team echoed Diamante’s statement as she extended her gratitude to private individuals, who backed her passion and always supported her young swimming career.
Both are part of the National Capital Region swimming team, which will participate in the PSC’s Batang Pinoy National Finals on Dec. 17 to 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
COPA secretary general and tournament director Chito Rivera joined former national coach Richard Luna in awarding of the medals, trophies and certificate to the winners.
“We’re very thankful to all swimmers and to all club managers, who have joined our tournament. We assure everyone, even non-COPA teams that they can easily play in the coming tournament next month,” said Rivera.
Other winners in the four-day, two-weekend tournament were Danna Santiago in the 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 the Aquanights (1:53.88); Jhoey Gallaro of Swim Kings in the 14-yr class B (29.58); Xian Espinas of the Naawan Watersharks, class C (32.06) and Anjolie Novillas of the Ral Rosario Swim ( 32.31 15).