Who is Arturo Macapagal?

Art Macapagal. INQUIRER File Photo

Businessman-sportsman Arturo “Art” Macapagal, brother of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, succumbed to prostate cancer on Tuesday. He was 72.

The son of former president Diosdado Macapagal made a name for himself in the field of sports, especially after representing the Philippines in the Olympics.

READ: Arroyo’s cancer-stricken brother dies

Here are some facts about the late Macapagal:

1. He was a two-time Olympian.

A lethal target shooter, Macapagal donned the national colors and competed in the 1972 Munich and 1976 Montreal Olympics.

He finished 47th out of 59 competitors in the men’s free pistol event in 1972, and improved to a tie for the 37th spot out of 47 participants in the 1976 Games.

2. He was a record holder in shooting.

Macapagal was one of the country’s premier shooters of all time.

He held the record for Olympic free pistol for 21 years, a longest for the Philippines in shooting.

He also held air pistol records during the 1970s.

3. He was a multi-awarded athlete.

Macapagal’s shooting career has earned him praises and numerous accolades.

The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) feted him as the All-Around Filipino Sports Awardee in 1973 and 1974.

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) also acknowledged his contribution to the sport and named him as the Most Outstanding Shooter for the Decade in 1980.

4. He was a sports leader.

After serving as president of the Philippine Olympians Association, Macapagal held the top post of the Philippine National Shooting Association in the 2000s and helped guys like Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla and Eric Ang excel in the sport.

He also tried for the presidential seat of the POC in 2008, but lost to current president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco in a close election. CFC

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