#SEAGames2017 chief of mission Cynthia Carrion talks to media ahead of Saturday’s opening ceremonies. Photo by Marc Reyes
KUALA LUMPUR—It’s going to be a different story when Manila hosts the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
That’s the sentiment of Team Philippines chief of mission Cynthia Carrion who made a quick assessment of the country’s failing campaign, part of which she blamed on poor officiating.
“I would say that the athletes are awesome, they were really trying their best, but sometimes we can’t fight the establishment,” Carrion told the Inquirer at Sunway Putra Hotel where the Team Philippines secretariat holds office.
The amiable chief of the gymnastics association singled out the taekwondo incident of Arven Alcantara, whom officials feel was robbed of the -68 kg gold after he was disqualified for incurring 10 violations that were undeclared.
Taekwondo head coach Dindo Simpao said they will still file a protest although he’s sure the decision will stay.
Carrion also noted Michael Martinez’s silver finish in figure skating.
Although the Winter Olympian fell once in his routine, Carrion said the Filipino clearly had a tougher routine where “that should have been counted by the judges.”
Despite falling short of the 50-gold projection, Carrion said she’s “very proud” of the Filipino athletes.