Ex-cager, spiker RP’s 2nd triple-gold winner

Benjie Tolentino, grandson of a great Olympian, has tried his hand in a lot of sports but found his niche in rowing where he emerged the Philippines’ second triple gold medalist at the La Mesa Dam.

He has the reach, built and height to be a great cager, being the grandson of Melbourne Olympian Mariano Tolentino and though he started out as a collegiate player, he shifted to volleyball and finally to rowing.

Now he will be remembered as the Games greatest rower.

" I didn’t expect it, all the hard work and sacrifices paid off," said the 28-year old father of two kids named after the two Olympics — Sydney and Athens.

Originally an open men’s single sculler, Tolentino shed off 44 pounds to be able to compete in the lightweight men’s single scull, wherein he won his first gold medal. His second gold came from the men’s coxless pair teaming up with Jose Rodriguez.

Then the scrappy 6-foot-2 Tolentino booked his place in the history of RP sports by becoming the second triple gold medal winner behind diver Sheila Mae Perez when he paired with Alvin Amposta in the lightweight men’s double scull for his third gold.

"He’s really excellent. I really pushed him hard because for the last three SEA Games he did not win any gold so I told him to enter the lightweight event. Fortunately he improved his performance," said coach Ed Maerina. — Brian Borleo