Back pains force Perez to withdraw

DOHA — Sheila Mae Perez, complaining of back pains, withdrew from her two remaining events, dealing a big blow to the Philippines’ bid to medal in the diving competitions of the Asian Games here.

Although her chances to upstage the fancied divers from China and Japan are slim, the 18-year-old triple gold medalist in the Maniila SEA Games was hopeful to contend for the bronze in the women’s 1m springboard final slated Tuesday at the Hamad Aquatic Centre.

"We just withdrew her from all her events because after she competed in the women’s synchro yesterday (Monday), she told us that her back pain has been bothering her. So the coaching staff decided to withdrew her," said former swim star Akiko Thomson, sec-gen of PASA (Philippine Amateur Swimming Association) and team manager of the diving team.

"It was really unfortunate for her not to compete anymore in the games but we are after her safety so I have to respect the decision of the coach," she added.

The team’s coach is Zhang Dehu.

With Ceseil Domenios, Perez, who just turned 21 last Sunday, finished fifth in a field of six in the women’s synchro 3m springboard final and was set to compete in the 1m springboard and 3m springboard.

Thomson said according to the doctors, Perez’s back pains have been caused by a loose joint in the hip although the last MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) result showed nothing of such damage. — Dante Navarro