They may not have the squeaky-clean, matinee idol looks like the AZKALS or the VOLCANOES do. They're not handsome Filipino mixed-race, half-breeds. Their training isn't watched by squealing teen-age girl fans. But the Dragon Warriors (yes, that's what they're called now) know that bringing home the medal is really what it's all about.
They still have no sponsorship from government. According to some of their family members there's no support because dragon boat rowing is not part of the military plantilla for approved sport programs. No wonder they've been doing their thing on their own. They're dogged determination has ultimately paid off as they have in total garnered 5 GOLD MEDALS and 2 SILVER:
1000m Premier Open Men's Event
500m Premier Open Men's Event
500m Premier Open Mixed Event
200m Premier Open Men's Event
200m Premier Open Mixed Event
2 Silver Medals in the AC All Comers Event
These hunky paddlers have stuck to their training day in day out. Some have been eking out a living by collecting the floating plastic bottles in Manila Bay after their daily practice just to make ends meet. But the prestige they have brought to the country through winning their medals are unparalleled.
Okay, earlier on in my other blog someone asked me if, upon their return, the Dragon Warriors will get the Bench exposure the way the football and rugby teams got. My answer to that would be: Sorry, racy billboards have already been banned. 'Nuff said!
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