THE six Filipino athletes vying in the World Surfing Games Olympic qualifiers at El Salvador’s Surf City are feeling almost right at home.
“The waves here are like those in La Union and Siargao,” national coach Ian Saguan told BusinessMirror on Wednesday. “In terms of the weather and the water, they’re no different from ours back home. Our surfers don’t need wetsuits in the competition.”
John Mark Tokong, Edito Alcala and Rogelio Esquivel Jr. are vying for Tokyo Olympics slots in the men’s side, while 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Nilbie Blancada, Vea Estrallado and Daisy Valdez are competing in the women’s class.
Competition is expected to be tough in the May 29 to June 6 qualifiers set at Surf City’s La Bocana and El Sunzal—only the top placers of both genders will qualify for the Olympics.
But because of the conditions that are suited to the Filipino surfers, Saguan said he is confident of a successful campaign.
“We have three men and three women here. It’s survival to the fittest for everyone, but we went here as a team so we will emphasize teamwork,” he said. “If one wins, all of us are winners and I’m confident we can get the two spots for the Olympics.”
The team arrived in El Salvador on Tuesday night and are billeted at the Vaquero Surf Camp. The drawing for the heats is set on May 28.
“The competition is definitely the highest level that surfing can get to right now and our surfers are in the middle of it,” United Philippine Surfing Association President Dr. Jose Raul Canlas said. “I think the whole country is praying for them. Any of them can get that Olympic slot.”