Asian Games debutant Juliana Candelaria took home the silver medal in the women’s individual poomsae in taekwondo on Thursday.
Joining Candelaria in adding to the Philippine medal haul at the Asiad is Jeus Yape, who finished with a bronze medal in the men’s individual poomsae.
Candelaria, 18, has a bright future ahead of her after bagging the silver after scoring an average of 9.1300, built on a score of 9.200 in her first routine and 9.060 in her second.
South Korea’s Jung Haeun claimed the gold with 9.31001, while Thailand’s Thitaree Kaewolanwasu was third at the podium with 9.0400.
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“Amazing. I feel great about everything,” Candelaria told One Sports/Cignal. “It’s such an amazing achievement for me. It’s my first Asian Games.”
“Super duper thankful to everyone. My family, my coaches, my teammates,” she added.
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“Ang mati-take ko [na lesson] here is live in the moment, kasi what I did in this competition is to enjoy and just be grateful for everything,” Candelaria said.
Meanwhile, Yape had an average of 9.0900, anchored on 9.1000 and 9.080 performances in his routines for the third-place finish.
Yun Kyusung grabbed the gold medal with an average score of 9.3800, while Navin Pinthashute of Thailand snatched the silver after scoring a 9.2800 average, finishing ahead of Yape.