Filipino rower Cris Nievarez’s qualification for the Men's Single Sculls (M1x) in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics ended the Philippine’s two-decade-old Olympic rowing drought in which Benjie Tolentino was the last athlete to compete in rowing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
21-year-old Cris Nieveraz became the eighth Filipino to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics, according to a statement from World Rowing organizers on Monday (May 10).
The Quezon native finished ninth in his event at the Asia Oceania Continental Qualification over the weekend in Tokyo, Japan, where only the top five rowers will earn tickets.
However, other countries in his event have already earned their slots like Japan and Iran, paving the way for other rowers such as Nieveraz to qualify.
Nievarez’s qualification for the Men's Single Sculls (M1x) ended the Philippine’s two-decade-old Olympic rowing drought in which Benjie Tolentino was the last athlete to compete in rowing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
“Sobrang saya ko po, hindi ko maipaliwanag. Nagulat din po ako,” said Nievarez, who only learned of his qualification while in a 14-day quarantine after arriving
from Japan the other day.
The Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) posted on their social media accounts that Nievarez has qualified and will compete in the Summer Games in July.
"We are happy to share that the Philippine Rowing Association received confirmation from World Rowing that we have qualified for the Men's Single Sculls (M1x) for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Congratulations, Cris!" the post read.
PRA president Patrick Gregorio said in a statement that their effort to professionalize the National Sporting Association (NSA) helped the team to where it is now.
"They involved all coaches and the athletes in the process including Cris and his teammates. The rowing national athletes are focused and determined. They are soft spoken and humble too. When you observe them train everyday at the La Mesa dam, you will realize their passion and desire to excel," said Gregorio.
Joining Nievarez in the Tokyo Olympics so far are pole vaulter EJ Obiena, gymnast Carlos Yulo, 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist in weightlifting Hidilyn Diaz, and boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno. (NP)
Tags: #OpinYonQuezon, #sports, #rowing, #TokyoOlympics, #CrisNievarez