Angel Polo moved closer to a podium finish in wushu, while Riannah Coleman displayed remarkable resilience to secure a spot in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke final at the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Monday in Dakar, Senegal.
Polo once again found herself in third place in the women’s Taijiquan-Taijishan combined event after completing the Taijishan preliminaries at the Dakar Expo Center in Diamniadio.
The Filipina remained behind Singapore’s Ng Zhe Nin and Chinese Taipei’s Chu Yu En, mirroring the podium order from the World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China, last March.
Ng topped the standings with 9.353 points in Taijishan for a combined score of 18.653, followed by Chu with 9.330 for 18.563. Polo, meanwhile, earned 9.233 points to finish with 18.456.
“Angel is doing well, and we’re focusing on tomorrow’s final,” said coach Li Jianfang. “We hope to do better in the final.”
Polo will have another opportunity to improve her standing in Tuesday’s two-part final, with the Taijishan segment scheduled for 10:38 a.m. and the Taijiquan portion set for 4:29 p.m., both in Dakar time.
Meanwhile, Coleman overcame a frightening episode of hyperventilation to book her place in the women’s 200-meter breaststroke final.
The Filipina finished fourth in Heat 2 and seventh overall among eight finalists after clocking 2:47.64, more than 18 seconds behind heat leader and overall top qualifier Mana Ishikawa of Japan.
Despite advancing, Coleman struggled with her breathing throughout the race and nearly collapsed after reaching the poolside, prompting swimming staff to carry her to the Medical Room for immediate attention.
“It was so bad, but I’m grateful I had it done with,” said Coleman. “I struggled with my breathing the entire race, but I’m grateful I was able to touch the wall.”
Coleman admitted that her time was well below her usual standard, missing her personal best by five seconds.
“That’s way off my best time,” she added.
She remained under observation in the Medical Room for approximately 30 minutes, accompanied by fellow swimmer Jamesray Mishael Ajido and coach Jensen Halili.
Three other swimmers were also receiving treatment for hyperventilation while Coleman was being attended to.
