Skateboarder eyes Olympic berth
Kiko Francisco might end up joining the Philippine delegation to the 2024 Paris Olympics if he can improve on his world rating by 23 June. | Photograph COURTESY OF Boardriding
Daily TribuneKiko Francisco might end up joining the Philippine delegation to the 2024 Paris Olympics if he can improve on his world rating by 23 June. | Photograph COURTESY OF Boardriding
Skateboarder Kiko Francisco has to break the top 20 by 23 June to make the grade for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Skate Pilipinas vice-president Tong Facundo said in a radio interview Saturday.
Facundo believes Francisco's rank and skill set give them hope he will join the Philippine delegation to France for the 26 July to 11 August Summer Games.
Francisco is currently rated No. 32 in the world rankings and made it to the next round of the Olympic qualifiers while fancied bet Margiulyn Didal failed to crack the top 44, Facundo said.
"She (Didal) did well but the competition is tough. She is currently at No. 50 in the rankings. We have confidence in Kiko's training and his tricks have advanced so we're happy."
Francisco recently scored 57.68 points in the World Skateboarding Tour in Dubai from 23 February and 3 March and he needs to have a great showing in the Olympic Qualification System series in Shanghai from 14 to 19 May and in Budapest from 18 to 23 June to boost his rankings.