HONG KONG – After their layover in Hong Kong lasted longer than expected, the Filipino athletes arrived in Nanjing, China in the wee hours of the morning Thursday, tired and weary but still raring to compete.
Despite the hassle, the seven Pinoy athletes from archery, athletics, gymnastics, triathlon, shooting and swimming remained upbeat heading to the second Youth Olympic Games.
According to Jonne Go, chef-de-mission of the small Filipino contingent, the athletes and their coaches were supposed to arrive in Nanjing around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
But a serious delay in their connecting flight from Hong Kong, which was caused by bad weather, left them stranded at the airport until past 1 a.m.
“We waited and waited until they arrived at the Athletes Village before five in the morning. They were all tired and sleepy when they got here,” said the chef-de-mission.
“But they said they were fine. Their morale remained high,” said Go.
The athletes spent the entire morning resting in their rooms and only came out for lunch. As a result, shooter Celdon Jude Arellano failed to go out and test his rifle.
“It was more important for him to rest. But we made sure that the practice slot that was allotted for him Thursday morning can be used Friday instead,” said Go by phone from Nanjing.
Only triathlete Victorija Evania Deldio managed to go out Thursday to do some light training.
Go said the pair of archers Bianca Roxas-Chua Gotuaco and flag-bearer Luis Gabriel Moreno also wanted to train but were told to rest instead since they won’t see action until Aug. 22.
The first to compete for the Philippine team are artistic gymnast Ava Loren Verdeflor, swimmer Roxanne Yu and Deldio on Sunday.
The other Pinoy bet in this quadrennial event that drew athletes aged 14 to 18 years is Zion Rose Nelson of track and field who will see action on Aug. 20.
The opening ceremony is set Saturday with representatives from 205 nations joining the parade.
Philippine Olympic Committee president Jose Cojuangco is scheduled to arrive in Nanjing on the eve of the opening ceremony.
The POC chief will be accompanied by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia, POC officials Steve Hontiveros and Julian Camacho, and International Olympic Committee representative to the Philippines Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski.