Cris Nievarez —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Just the thought of rowing in the 2024 Paris Olympics has thrilled ace Cris Nievarez no end.
The Tokyo Olympian will be doubly ecstatic if he could get there through the Asian and Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta this week in Chungju, South Korea.
“I’ve been working for this since the beginning of the year and I’m giving it my best shot,’’ said Nievarez, the country’s lone entry in the men’s single sculls.
Top five advance
The top five rowers in the event scheduled April 19 to April 21 at the Tangeum Lake International Rowing Regatta will progress to the Paris Summer Games.
Landing out of the magic number in these individual races would mean attempting to get onboard to the French capital one last time at the World Final Qualification Regatta on May 19 to May 21 in Lucerne, Switzerland, where it will be tougher with only the gold and silver medalist advancing to the Olympics.
Aside from Nievarez, the nation’s top-notch hope in the sport, three other Filipino rowers are vying for Olympic spots in the Chungju races. The team left for South Korea over the weekend.
Joanie Delgaco has been working out to improve her times in the women’s single sculls where five slots are likewise available while Rynjie Peñaredondo and Zuriel Sumintac are eyeing one of two Olympic berths in the men’s lightweight double sculls. INQ
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