
Para powerlifer Achele Guion was ruled out of the Tokyo Paralympics after testing positive for COVID-19.
Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) disclosed this in a statement Tuesday, adding that Guion, a two-time Asian Para Games silver medalist, were unable to join the Philippine team bound for Tokyo over the weekend.
Guion’s coach, Tony Taguibao, also tested positive for the virus although both were asymptomatic.
“Jinky (Guion) is deeply frustrated that she will not be able to compete in her powerlifting event for her country after training for so long, and especially getting much inspiration from Hidilyn Diaz, a powerlifter like herself and the first Filipino to win an Olympic gold medal,” PPC President Mike Barredo said in a statement.
Also yielding a positive result for the virus and were unable to go to Tokyo were PH team’s chief of mission Francis Diaz and para athletics coach Joel Deriada.
Guion was initially scheduled to compete in the 45kgs event on Thursday, Aug. 26.
Despite this development, the remaining PH Paralympic team remains optimistic in its goal to eclipse the country’s best finish so far of a bronze medal in the 2000 Sydney and 2016 Rio Games.
“All our para athletes remain in high spirits and committed to give their best possible performances to bring honor and glory for our country,” Barredo said.