Pinoy Teen Wrestlers Take Home 3 Gold, Silver Medal from US

Filipino teen wrestlers took home three gold and a silver medal from the 19th Annual Boys and Girls Wrestling Competition in Vallejo, California last April 16, GMA 7 news program “24 Oras” reported on Friday.

Anthony Arcilla Jr., 17, took home two gold medals in the freestyle and folkstyle wrestling categories, while Royce Tiu earned a gold and a silver medal in the competition.

When asked why he chose to compete, Arcilla said he wanted to represent the Philippines and steer his career towards the Olympics.

“Kasi ito po yung gusto kong i-represent kahit saang competition po. Gusto ko pong makarating ng Olympics po,” Arcilla said.

Tiu meanwhile attributed his win to the defensive skills he employed against his heavier opponent.

“Mas mabigat po siya sa ‘kin ng mga 50 to 60 pounds. Defense. Dinepensahan ko lang po ,” Tiu said.

Their coach, Miguel Plana, said the athletes dominated their divisions because of the intense training here in the Philippines.

“Made in the Philippines yung training nila, hindi yung dun nagte-training. From the Philippines talaga, nag-training, pumunta sa States and nag-compete. Si Anthony and Royce, almost literally wiped out their division,” Plana explained.

A US-based coach told the Vallejo Times-Herald that Arcilla and Tiu were the first Filipino wrestlers to have flown from the Philippines to compete in the US.

“They are making history, trailblazing. Wrestlers from the Philippines have gone to other nations, like Korea, Europe, Bulgaria, Vietnam, but never in the US,” said Springstowne Wrestling Club coach Jason Guiducci. — Rie Takumi/DVM, GMA News

(Source: GMAnetwork.com)