Verdict spares Molina rigors of inaugurals

Miguel Molina giving way to boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao as flag-bearer of the Philippine delegation to the coming Beijing Olympics could be a big blessing in disguise for the country’s No. 1 swimmer.

“I heard sometimes the opening ceremonies can be tiring,” said Molina through e-mail as he broke his silence regarding President Arroyo’s decision to have Pacquiao carry the RP flag in the Olympic opener.

“To me, even though I would have loved to have been flag-bearer, it’s not such a big deal because at least I’ll get to rest and focus on my events if I’m not flag-bearer. I think it’s surprising because I didn’t think it would be this big of a deal,” he said.

As early as a month ago, Molina, the Best Male Athlete of the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, has been designated as flag-bearer.

But Pacquiao, for his recent exploit in Las Vegas, where he won an unprecedented fourth world title in different weight classes, was named as special envoy to the Olympics during a recent meeting with the President.

Now, officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee are working hard to have the reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champion accredited by Chinese officials as the flag-bearer of the Philippine contingent.

Molina said he was in Omaha last week for the US Olympic Team trials when he got a call from RP swimming president Mark Joseph about the President’s decision to have him replaced by Pacquiao.

His immediate reaction was that Pacquiao deserves the distinction, too.

“I thought it was okay because of what he’s done for his sport and for the country. I think based on what he has accomplished, I think he deserves it,” said Molina who drew raves from sports officials for all his humility.

“I haven’t accomplished much on the world stage outside of Southeast Asia,” added Molina.