Gold rush for Gibraltar
Earlier in the day long distance runner Francis Mauro ran a personal best of 1 hour, 44 minutes and 29 seconds in the final of the half marathon event crashing his previous record by over 10 minutes. He was ranked in a higher division which led to him achieving a creditable 4th place. His training over the last 2 years really paid off and coach Kellianne Peliza said "Francis is a true inspiration for all with his hard work and dedication to the sport."
Elsewhere the early stages and divisioning in other competitions continued and there was a notable performance by Dorian Zammit on the bocce court, winning his first game 12 - 0 against Palestine and in a close finish drawing his second game 7 - 7 against Argentina.
On day two of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi the medal count grew as Gibraltar athletes continued to shine against the best in the World.
Years of training in the sport of bocce paid off for Dorian Zammit who brought home the gold medal in the men's singles event. The pride felt by his parents, who are present in Abu Dhabi for the games, was compounded when his brother Marvin also then went on to win gold in the men's singles bowling event. Whilst different events, the skill shown by both brothers was evident. In bocce Malcolm Miel came 5th in his division of the men's singles, whilst Marvin's teammate Samyr Anakkar claimed a bronze in the men's singles bowling event. Shane Martinez came away with a 5th place ribbon, also in the men's singles bowling.
The medals just kept coming with more won by Gibraltar in the equestrian contest. J.J Buttigieg achieved not one but two silver medals in the same day, in the equitation jumping and English working trails events. Whilst teammate Glen Wimbledon picked up a bronze in the jumping event and a 5th place in the working trails.
The medal tally was completed late in the day when Miguel Rubio brought home a gold medal in athletics, in the 200m event.
The golfing event kicked off in earnest with Julian de las Heras winning his round in divisioning with a score of 53 against 59 and 64 for his Hong Kong and Spanish opponents. Nicholas Payas scored 56 in his skills competition divisioning which compared very favourably with the 53 he scored in the same round in Los Angeles four years ago.
Earlier in the day in athletics Mark Dos Santos competed in his first 1,500m event. In his contagious, cheerful spirit he reminded everyone of the true spirit of sportsmanship, a positive attitude that made his challenge achievable, crossing the finishing line with a cheering crowd. He came in 6th place but during his run he was the life of the stands, with the race being televised live in Dubai TV. He faces another challenge ahead with the 3,000m.
The games continue with more medals up for grabs until the closing ceremony on Thursday.
19-03-19 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR
