TOKYO – The Philippine Paralympic Committee released an official statement Tuesday, announcing that para-powerlifter Achele “Jinky’’ Guion won’t be able to compete in the World Paralympic Games after testing positive for COVID-19 together with her coach, Antonio “Tony’’ Taguibao.
“Jinky is deeply frustrated that she will not be able to compete in her powerlifting event for her country after training for so long, and especially getting much inspiration from Hidilyn Diaz, a powerlifter like herself and the first Filipino to win an Olympic medal,’’ said PPC president Michael Barredo.
Other members of the delegation who tested positive for COVID-19 are Chef de Mission Francis Diaz and para-athletics coach Joel Deriada.
Barredo took over as chef de mission in the absence of Diaz to implement tasks involving planning, logistics, and communications, among others, for the team’s orderly navigation in the Paralympics.
“Despite this most unfortunate development, all our para-athletes remain in high spirits and committed to giving their best possible performances to bring honor and glory for our country. Tuloy ang laban. Mabuhay ang atletang Pilipino,’’ said Barredo, who will likewise function as the head of the delegation of Team Philippines.
