FG has soft spot for brave Viet wrestler

A bouquet of flowers, a basket of fruits, and a calling card from the First Gentleman.

For putting up a courageous stand in last Wednesday’s wrestling competition, a young female athlete from Vietnam has won the heart and the admiration of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh was fighting Indonesia’s Ika Adinda in the 59 kg freestyle at the San Andres Sports Complex when the First Gentleman and his small entourage arrived to watch some of the action.

The Vietnamese girl was clearly on the losing end as she was playing hurt. Apparently, she had dislocated her left shoulder early in the match, and was only fighting out of courage.

When the referee tried to stop the contest, the Vietnamese girl vehemently protested, insisting that she could keep on fighting. She was allowed to do so.

But just after a couple of exchanges, the ring physician stepped in and ordered the referee to stop the fight and award the victory to the Indonesian.

The First Gentleman was so moved by the Vietnamese girl’s will determination to keep on fighting despite the injury. Yesterday, he ordered his staff to look for her whereabouts.

Anh was billeted at the Bayview Hotel along Roxas Blvd. In the middle of his visits to the different venues yesterday, the First Gentleman found time to visit the Vietnamese.

He brought along a colorful bouquet of flowers and a basket of fresh fruits. But the Vietnamese athlete, unfortunately, was not around as she was out of the hotel.

Instead, the First Gentleman had a few words with the Vietnamese coach and team manager who accepted the gifts in behalf of Anh.

The First Gentleman took out a calling card, wrote something on it, then gave it to the Vietnamese coach. It was for Anh, the athlete.

"I hope you’re feeling better now. Get well soon. I hope you’re enjoying you stay in the Philippines. I admire your courage," was the First Gentleman’s message.

It could be worth more than the gold. — Abac Cordero