NICOLE Diamante and Pauline Obebe clinched their fourth gold medals in their respective classes to formalize their claim as the Most Outstanding Swimmers at the close of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics, Inc. Reunion Challenge National Finals yesterday at the Rizal Memorial pool.
Diamante, the 11-year-old pride of the RSS Dolphins Swim Team, ruled the girls 11-years old individual medley in 3:09.99 while Obebe dominated the same event in the 12-years-old class in 2:51.27.
Counting their performances in the past three legs of the Reunion Series, Diamante and Obebe were adjudged as the MOS awardees in the event co-presented by the Manlalangoy ng Pilipinas and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Speedo and Milo.
“Bonus na po ito sa akin. Hindi ko naman po target ito basta sinusunod ko lang ang sinasabi ni coach. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa mga taong tumutulong sa akin, gayundin po sa COPA na patuloy na nagbibigay sa amin ng maayos na mga tournament,” said Diamante.
Obebe, of the Aquanights swim club, echoed Diamante’s statement as she extended her gratitude to private individuals backing her passion and supporting her young swimming career.
Both are members of the National Capital Region swimming team that qualified for the PSC’s Batang Pinoy National Finals on Dec. 17-25 in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
Other winners in the four-day, two weekends event were Danna Santiago — Class C girls 200M (3:35.81), Kisses Libat of Green Blaster in the girls 11 class B 100m back (1:27.55); Victoria Vitog of Aquanights (1:53.88); Jhoey Gallaro of Swim Kings 14-years class B (29.58); Xian Espinas of Naawan Watersharks, class C (32.06), and Anjolie Novillas of Ral Rosario Swim (32.31 15).
