Youngest gymnast makes decent finish

The youngest athlete in the Philippines’ contingent to the 23rd Southeast Asian Games delivered a solid performance but landed only fifth in the individual all-events of the gymnastics competition at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum yesterday.

Danica Calapatan, 12, a slender gymnast making her first SEAG appearance, charmed the crowd and the judges for a 44.550 finish that fell far behind Malaysia’s Foong Seow Ting (58.600), Thailand’s Tharatip Sridee (56.600), and Malaysia’s Darratun Nashihin (55.650).

Together with another SEAG newcomer, Sheryll Contillo, who landed in the ninth slot (39.850), Calapatan showcased her ribbon-twirling abilities and head-tilting rope throws which coaches say could still be developed in the future.

"We’re not expecting them to win," said gymnastics head coach Santiago Ty. "But it’s not bad compared to those (competitors) who have been training for so long already."

Calapatan’s performance with ropes (11.825) and clubs (11.250) rivaled those of her older and more experienced competitors. However, her efforts could not match the domination of the Malaysians and the Thais, who also won the gold and silver medals in the team competition last Friday. — Reagan Tan