MANILA, Philippines — Filipino wakeboarder Raph Trinidad defended home turf and clinched the gold medal in the 2025 IWWF Asia and Oceania cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships over the weekend.
The competition — which served as the final qualifier for The World Games (TWG) 2025 slated August in Chengdu, China — was held at the Decawake Clark Cable Park in Angeles City, Pampanga from January 24-26.
There, Trinidad, a Red Bull athlete, showed out and scored an 81.67 in the open men’s category final to grab the win.
He finished ahead of international wakeboarders such as Kyrgyzstan’s Stanislav Fidelsky, Thailand’s Luke Atirat Carrick and Benjamin Phechyuenyong, and Australia’s Zac Falzon and Lachlan “Locky” Fort.
“Winning an international competition in my home park feels like a dream,” Trinidad said.
“Being surrounded by those who have supported me from the start made it even more special. It was an honor to represent my country, and the incredible support pushed me to give my best. I’m proud to bring this victory home.
“In every competition, I always remind myself that my biggest competition is myself. As long as I land the run I planned, I’m already super happy no matter the outcome,” he added.
With his golden finish, Trinidad punched a ticket to The World Games 2025.
“I will push myself even harder because there is still so much work to do in wakeboarding and it’s only the start. Rest assured, you will see a version of me that is more motivated and ready to do my best for the Philippines,” he said.
Last year, Trinidad pulled off a podium finish in the IWWF World Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships at Le Kable, Choisy le Roi in Paris, France.