SEA Games champ announces retirement

Melcah Jen Caballero (left) and Joanie Delgaco hope to row their way to Tokyo. —INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Rower Melcah Jen Caballero was a cinch to successfully defend her a double-gold output in the forthcoming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA).

But she won’t be around for a repeat performance in the Hanoi, Vietnam, sportsfest after announcing her unexpected retirement from the national team on Sunday.

The 25-year-old Caballero, a Seaman Second Class, prefers to pursue her career at the Philippine Navy after rewarding Team Philippines with gold medals in women’s lightweight single sculls and double sculls with Joanie Delgaco during the 2019 SEA Games held in Subic.

“Every stroke opened different chapters of my life to which I can say that I have now reached the shore,” said Caballero in her resignation letter to Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) president Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

Caballero said the decision to retire at the peak of her athletic career was a difficult decision to make.

“I concluded that now is the right time for me to focus on my naval career advancement and to take the chance to apply as a military officer,” said Caballero.

“By this, I would like to inform you (Gregorio) of my intention to retire as an athlete of the Philippine Rowing Association effective December 1, 2021.”

The PRA accepted her retirement with a heavy heart. INQ