LAUREL, BATANGAS — Top Filipina bet Ariana Dormitorio showed the way early in the race, taking a one minute lead before suffering a crash that dashed her hopes for gold in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Women’s Cross Country, Sunday.
It was a heartbreaking end to her campaign, since she was a favorite to win the event.
“During the last part of the trail, I had a crash, and then that caused me to be a little bit dizzy. Knowing that the other competitors were just at my back, I didn’t really have time to recover,” said Dormitorio. “I was really eager to win the gold but I’d like to say my apologies to the whole country for not winning it for you guys.”
Avegail Rombaon of the Philippines settled for the bronze in 1:48:54 to give the country a silver-lining.
Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh of Vietnam captured the gold medal with a time of one hour, 36 minutes, and 43 seconds in leading a Vietnamese 1-2 finish. Ca Thi Thom bagged the silver medal.
“We tried to follow the best rider. We know that in these Games, the Filipino rider is very strong,” said Nguyen.
Still, Dormitorio vows that come 2021, she will bounce back.
“This is my first SEA Games. For the succeeding ones, there will be mountain bike events. I’ll definitely train harder and bring pride to the country.”
