Caluscusin top rhythmic gymnast with 3 golds

Jean Caluscusin emerged as the best performer in the women’s rhythmic gymnastics competition of the POC-PSC Philippine National Games (PNG) yesterday.

The nimble 5-foot-2 gymnast added victories in the clubs (8.025 points) and ribbon (8.25) to her golden performance in the all-around event at the GAP gym inside Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Caluscusin, a BS Education senior at Far Eastern U also bagged the bronze in the hoop with 8.225 points.

Sharing the limelight with Caluscusin was Cebu’s Karen Velez, who recovered from a disastrous outing in the all-around with gold medals in the ball (8.050) and hoop (8.25), and a silver in the clubs (7.925) at the close of  the two-day competition. Artistic gymnastics get going today.

Metro Manila’s Mikaela Silverio sustained her dominance in the junior category by winning the ribbon (7.20), ball (7.50) and clubs (7.525) plus a silver in the ring (6.625), which was won by Bicol’s Gertrude Ante (6.85).

Caluscusin upstaged Cebu’s Mary Carmeli Garovillo, last year’s most bemedalled gymnast, who cited pressure from her studies for her sub-par showing.

Garovillo, a 17-year-old occupational therapy sophomore at Cebu Doctors College, only managed a bronze in the ribbon (6.85).

The PNG formally opens today in a ceremony to be graced by PSC chair Richie Garcia and POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.