NICOLE DIAMANTE and Pauline Obebe clinched their fourth gold medal each in their respective classes to emerge Most Outstanding Swimmers (MOS) of the Congress of Philippine Aquatics Inc. (COPA) Reunion Challenge National Finals Sunday at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
The 11-year-old Diamante of the RSS Dolphins Swim Team claimed her fourth gold medal in the girls’ 11 years old Individual medley with a time of three minutes and 9.99 seconds.
Obebe match Diamante’s effort by ruling in the 12 years old class in of 2:51.27.
Diamante and Obebe dominated all three legs of the Reunion Series co-presented by the Manlalangoy ng Pilipinas and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)—chaired by Noli Eala—Speedo and Milo.
“This [MOS award] is a bonus for me,” Diamante said. “I wasn’t after this award, I wanted to make the team win. I thank everyone who supported us.”
Aquanights’ Obebe also thanked private individuals who continuously support her young swimming career.
Diamante and Obebe will represent the National Capital Region in the PSC’s Batang Pinoy National Finals from December 17 to 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Norte.
COPA secretary general and tournament director Chito Rivera and former national coach Richard Luna awarded the medals, trophies and certificates to the medalists and participants.
“We’re very thankful to all swimmers and to all clubs who joined our tournament,” Rivera said.
The other winners in the four-day, two-weekend tournament were Danna Santiago, Kisses Libat, Victoria Vitog, Jhoey Gallaro, Xian Espinas and Anjolie Novillas.