Lacuna closes out RP's bid in YOG

SINGAPORE – Jessie Lacuna missed the finals of the 200m fly at the Singapore Sports School here yesterday, finishing 15th in a field of 21 to close out the Philippines’ campaign in the first Youth Olympic Games.

Lacuna timed 27.93 seconds in the first 50 meters then slowed down with 31.31 and 32.76 in the next 50m before winding up 34.42 for a 2:06.38 clocking, 7.75 seconds behind top qualifier Bence Biczo of Hungary.

It was the 16-year-old Lacuna’s third event in this inaugural staging of the multi-sports meet for 14-18 athletes tipped to meet again in future regular Olympics. He made the finals in his favorite 200m free last Monday but finished last among eight finalists.

He also competed in the 100m free Thursday, winding up 19th in a field of 54 and failed to advance.

RP chief of mission Mark Joseph said it was a strategic challenge for Lacuna to compete in the 200m fly with the Bulacan native proving himself once more.

“Coach (Pinky Brosas) made him try a new strategy because of the competition. So it was a double challenge of pacing and racing. He did his best and has already distinguished himself and our country by making it to the finals (100m free) and world top 20 in all his other events. And he’s only 16,” said Joseph.

The other RP Youth Olympians who bowed out of competition early in the week were taekwondo jin Kirk Barbosa, netter Jeson Patrombon, weightlifter Patricia Llena, swimmer Jasmin Alkhaldi and the 3-on-3 team, which, however, will still vie for ninth place in the consolation pool.

Lacuna said the YOG experience will greatly help him in his future quest for swimming glory, including the upcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China where he hopes to make it to the team and the 2012 Olympics in London.

“This is something I will never forget,” said the Bulacan native, the world junior No. 7 in 200m free. “Now I am an Olympian and more experienced for future competitions.”

Like fellow tanker Jasmin Alkhaldi, Lacuna urged the young Filipino swimmers to train early and develop a big fighting heart with swimming long considered as one of the big events in any top-notch competitions.

In this YOG alone, 153 countries took part and if one were to compare swimming to other mainstream sports, the field is definitely much wider.

“My advise to young swimmers: Train hard and believe in yourselves,” said Lacuna. “Love the pain and you should have adversity in your life.”

Fortunately for Lacuna, determination is one thing he has in his arsenal.

But with such fierce competition at the highest level, willpower isn’t enough to excel but proper training and government support.