58 GOLDS FOR RP ICE SKATERS IN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Manila, Aug. 11, 1998 - The Philippines awaits the triumphant return of the country's newest sports heroes -- the SM-Philippine ice skating team which bagged 58 golds, 31 silvers and 15 bronzes at the 1998 World Team Championships held in St. Louis, Missouri.
On the last day of competitions, the Filipino ice skaters took 11 gold, two silver and two bronze medals to finish fifth overall in the international ice skating competition participated in by six countries, including the United States, Mexico and Hong Kong.
First place went to Missouri, followed by Ontario, US Ice-Sport Complex and Memphis.
Falling behind the Philippine team in number of medals won are the teams from Minneapolis, Florida and Illinois.
RP delegation head Ric Camaligan described the competition as tougher this year than last year, when the RP team finished third overall.
The Philippine participation in the World Team Championships was made possible through support from SM, Pepsi, Bionade, Adidas and Asiana Airlines.
The ice skaters have been accredited as a national sports association by both the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Their remarkable feat of harvesting gold medals in ice skating has puzzled and amused international sports observers who note that it is virtually impossible to produce ice skaters in a tropical country which does not have snowy winter months.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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