Filipino rower Nievarez makes it to Tokyo Olympics

Filipino rower Cris Nievarez caught the last boat to the Tokyo Olympics in July.

On Monday, the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) announced it received confirmation from the World Rowing Federation Nievarez made the final cut in the men’s single sculls of the Games.

“We are happy to share that the PRA received confirmation from the World Rowing Federation that we have qualified for the men’s single sculls for the Tokyo Olympic Games. Congratulations, Cris,” PRA posted on its social media accounts.

Nievarez, a 2019 Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, finished fifth in the semifinals of the men’s single sculls joined by 11 other racers last Friday and did not advance to the finals of the Asia Oceania Continental Qualification Regatta in Japan, where the top five earned Olympic berths.

The 20-year-old ultimately wound up at the ninth spot in the overall rankings of his class but moved up the ladder as some rowers ahead of him have qualified for the other events, where they earned better clockings.

Hence, the qualification to the Olympics.

Nievarez is the first Filipino rower to make the Games in 21 years since Benjie Tolentino strutted his wares in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Nievarez, who hails from Atimonan, Quezon, became the eighth Filipino athlete to qualify for the Olympics, joining boxers Eumir Marcial, Carlo Paalam, Nesthy Petecio and Irish Magno, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter EJ Obiena and gymnast Carlos Yulo.