Sweet repeat

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano wakeboarding sensation Raphael ‘Raph’ Pilapil Trinidad once again made his countrymen proud after grabbing silver medal in the men’s open division of the recently concluded 2022 International Wakeboard and Waterski Federation (IWWF) Singha World Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships at the ESC Thai Wake Park in Phatumthani, Thailand.

“It feels so good. I may not have nabbed the gold this time but this win represents the culmination of hard work, determination and a lot of support from the Philippine wakeboard community and my family,” said Trinidad, who placed second behind gold-medal winner Max Milde of Germany. Thailand’s hometown idol Peeranat Faktongyu took the bronze.

It was a sweet repeat of Trinidad’s historic feat three years ago.

In 2019, the pride of Liloan, Cebu etched his name in stone as the first Filipino to make a podium finish in the world wakeboard championship when he finished second overall in the 10th edition of the IWWF-sanctioned tilt at the Pampa Cable Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

“This only shows that the country has world-class athletes when it comes to this sport. Our hope is to make wakeboarding mainstream and inspire more riders. Hopefully we would also get more government support as we grow along,” Trinidad continued.

As to what’s up next for him, Trinidad said he’s aiming for no less than the gold.

The 20-year-old Trinidad was among the 13 board riders who represented the country in the week-long competition held last November 1-6.

Although not the biggest contingent in the pool of 33 countries and of more than 250 riders all over the world, Team Phl roared with a five-medal haul.

Manila’s Carlo de la Torre and Mark Griffin pocketed gold and silver, respectively, in the veteran men’s category, while Jianna dela Torre grabbed bronze in the veteran women’s wakeboard. Also making her mark is Susan Larsson, who took the third spotrt in the women’s open wakeskate. —Ricky Pilapil