Annie Ramirez secured Team Philippines’ third gold medal after successfully defending her title in the women’s -57kg jiu-jitsu division at the Asian Beach Games held Friday in Sanya.
Ramirez triumphed over fellow Filipina Emily Rosalyn Thomas, who settled for the silver medal.
The all-Filipino final highlighted the skills of both athletes, with Thomas earning praise from the coaching staff for her resilience and determination.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino commended Thomas’ performance, saying she demonstrated the true spirit of a Filipino athlete.
“Emily wanted the gold for herself and the country, and she fought like a champion. While Annie remains the queen of this mat, we believe Thomas’ time is coming. That resilience and hunger—that’s the true spirit of being a Filipino athlete,” he said. – ALONA COCHON
