TOO YOUNG FOR ASIAD, PINAY GYMNAST TRAINS FOR OLYMPICS
Manila, Sept. 11, 1998 - The most bemedalled Filipino athlete in the 1997 Jakarta Southeast Asian Games, 14-year-old gymnast Pia Adelle Reyes, has been disqualified from competing in the Bangkok Asian Games in December because of a newly promulgated are requirement for the sport.
The international gymnastics federation very recently raised to 16 the age requirement of gymnasts competing in international competitions.
But all is not lost. Instead of rushing into training for the Asiad, Pia will now be sent abroad to train for the Sydney Olympics in the year 2000.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Butch Tuason has high hopes on Pia Adelle's potentials.
"Pia has the potential to win gold in the Olympics if only given the proper training," Tuason said. "Hindi hanggang doon sa Asian Games at SEA Games lang ang laban. Ang pinaka-ultimate event is the Olympics. And probably, if he girl will be trained the way other countries train theirs, she can be the first Filipino Olympic medallist in gymnastics."
Under the PSC grant, Pia Adelle's expenses -- schooling, board and lodging and transportation -- will be shouldered by the Philippine Sports Commission.
The young gymnast will be allowed to choose between, Russia and the US, where she wants to train.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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