MANILA, Philippines – Raph Trinidad kept his status as an elite international wakeboarder.
Displaying consistency, Trinidad bagged a bronze in the open men final of the 2024 IWWF World Cable Wakeboard and Wakeskate Championships on September 16-22 at Le Kable, Choisy le Roi in Paris.
“I am over the moon to be on the podium for the third time in a row,” said Trinidad after a medal finish for the third straight edition.
The Filipino wakeboarder earned 66 points behind champion Loic Deschaux of France (78.33) and silver medalist Florian Weiherer of Germany (70.67).
“When I saw that all my competitors were giving it their best, I knew it was game time,” said Trinidad.
“I took a deep breath in, looked at the course, and gave everything I got.”
In the tournament’s last edition in 2022, Trinidad bagged a silver at Singha in Phuket, Thailand. Three years prior, the Red Bull athlete also secured a runner-up finish in Argentina.
“I am super happy to represent the Philippines once again and come home with a medal,” said Trinidad.
The 22-year-old Filipino said his strong finish was crucial as the competition serves as one of the qualifying events for The World Games 2025 set in Chengdu, China.
“During those critical moments when all the pressure was at its peak, I did my best to keep myself calm with some breathing exercises and focusing on myself and my run,” he shared.
Trinidad said his latest triumph fueled him to strive harder.
“This win for me serves as my drive to continue training and keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be out on the water,” he said.
“I am looking forward to my upcoming competitions next year because I will be ready.” – Rappler.com