PH nets 2 bronzes in world ice dragon boat

Without access to snow nor ice, the Philippine dragonboat team had to train on the murky Pasig river filled with water lilies.

The alternative preparation worked as the Filipino paddlers picked up two bronze medals in the 1st World Ice Dragon Boat Championships in Dolon Nor, China, which lured 25 countries.

Defying the frigid atmosphere, the 12-man Philippine contingent placed third in the 200-meter mixed 10-seater category, 48.34 seconds behind gold winner Russia (44.99) and silver medalist Hungary (47.48).

“We have zero experience in skiing, especially in this kind of weather,” said head coach Len Escollante. “Our water lily training in Taytay (in Rizal) proved beneficial and allowed us to keep up with the competition.”

As temperature dropped to-27 degrees Celsius, the Filipinos got another bronze medal in the 100m event in 26.63 seconds. Hungary topped the race in 25.25 seconds followed by Russia (25.34s).

According to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragonboat Federation president Jonne Go, the team advanced to the finals of five events and missed only one of the total six events during the races.

They also figured in the medal race of the five-man 100 and 200 meters and the four-man 200 meters.

“We defeated countries with good skiing programs like China, Germany and Finland,” said Go, also a top executive of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Escollante joined the 10-man mixed crew in both bronze performances as steersman while Go was drummer.

Completing the team were Mark Jhon Frias, Lee Robin Santos, Jonathan Ruz, John Paul Selencio, Jericho Noay, John James Pelagio, Raquel Almencion, Glaiza Liwag, Apple Jane Abitona and Chiva Angela Abanilla.