Lifter Llena RP flagbearer at YO Games

WEIGHTLIFTING WONDER Patricia Llena has been selected as the Philippines’ flag bearer in the opening ceremonies of the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

Mark Joseph, chef de mission of the RP Team to the Youth Games, said the 16-year-old Llena earned the honor for her “excellent record.”

“It’s only fitting that she gets the honor because she was officially our first qualifier to the Youth Olympics,” said Joseph, who made the announcement at the PSA Forum at the Shakey’s UN Avenue in Manila yesterday.

Llena, a native of Nueva Ecija, will see action in the Youth Games from Aug. 14 to 26 along with tennis player Jeson Patrombon, taekwondo jin Kirk Barbosa, swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie King Lacuna and cagers Bobby Ray Parks Jr, Michael Tolomia, Jeron Teng and Michael Anthony Pate.

“It’s a great honor for me to be chosen as flag-bearer,” said Llena, tipped as the country’s brightest hope to land a medal in the Games for athletes from 14 to 18 years old.

“I am excited to represent the country and give my best in the competition.”

Llena, who will vie in the 63 kg division, is coming off a three-bronze haul in the Asian Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, last April. Llena also bagged three gold medals in the World Junior and Sub-Junior Powerlifting Championships in Brazil last year.

Joseph refused to predict the number of medals the country will win in the Games, but assured of a fighting performance from the RP bets.

“What I find very distinctive is they’re very brimming and strong,” said Joseph. “They could surprise the nation.”

Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia, who also appeared at the Forum along with Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, said cash incentives await medalists in the YOG.

“It’s safe to say we will give incentives to medalists,” said Garcia.