Angel Polo did not medal in the women’s Taijiquan combined at the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday, Nov. 3, but the Filipina wushu teen says Dakar gave her experience to build on. Polo missed the podium after a deduction in the final.

“I will learn from this experience to get better and better,” said Polo before heading for Dakar Airport from the Youth Olympic Village at dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 4. She was the lone wushu entrant on Team Philippines.

A miscue in the Taijishan phase of the final on Tuesday led to a deduction that contributed to Polo missing the podium. Ng Zhe Nin of Singapore and Chinese Taipei’s Chu Yu En were the top two finishers.

Angel Polo’s Youth Olympics Lessons

Polo, a 10th grader at the Pasay North City High School, clinched bronze at the world junior championships in Tianjin, China, in March. She finished behind the same top two athletes as in Dakar.

“I still have one year as a junior and I’ll be doing my best from the experiences here,” Polo said. She turns 16 on Dec. 12.

“I’m very happy and satisfied with my performance,” said Polo. “I wish to thank all those who support me—win or lose.”

Polo’s Chinese coach, Li Jianfang, praised her ward for her performance. “Thank you for your concern and support and although the expected effect was not achieved, she has done her best,” Li said.

“Learning from this experience and lesson, we will get better and better,” Li said. The pair flew home on Wednesday morning.

Team Philippines Dakar Update

Team Philippines has nine athletes, sent under the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) headed by Abraham Tolentino. The Philippine Sports Commission, chaired by Patrick Gregorio, supported the delegation.

The Philippine campaign continues with swimmers Jamesray Mishael Ajido, who has two more events, and Riannah Chantelle Coleman, who has one more competition at the Dakar Olympic pool.

Gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III trained under coaches Reyland Capellan and Japanese Kazutaka Hakamada. Training went full blast, according to chef de mission Rocky Samson and POC’s Shawn Hendric Telebrico.

The gymnasts started shaking off jet lag from a 30-hour flight. While touring the vast village, they met basketball icon Pau Gasol of Spain, a member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission.

Naomi Marjorie Caesar is checked in at the village but has yet to train at the Dakar Athletics Stadium. She will compete in the women’s 800 meters.

Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200 meters), Maritanya Krog (women’s cycling) and Jade Justine Justiniane (windsurfing) are due in Dakar from Manila on Thursday, Nov. 5. Athletics, cycling and windsurfing begin Sunday, Nov. 8.

Gymnastics starts Saturday, Nov. 7. The Youth Olympic Games run through Nov. 13.