BLAKE TINGZON, RISING FIL-AM GYMNAST
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 11 Aug 2017
Blake Tingzon.
?It?s in the blood.?
This was how Rodolfo ?Totoy? Tingzon, acknowledged as the father of youth baseball development in the country, described the rise of his young, 15-year-old Fil-Am grandson Blake as an up-and-coming star in the American gymnastics scene.
Blake is the eldest of the brood of three of David and Sharil Tingzon. David is the son of Reynaldo ?Baby? Tingzon, younger brother of Totoy, who played baseball for the University of Santo Tomas during his UAAP playing days in the 70s.
?It?s all in the family, Pare,? Totoy, who himself played baseball for the National University, proudly told this writer last week in a talk over a cup of coffee at the Fort. ?Blake, kumbaga, is just reliving the family?s athletic history that was started by my father but cut short in the 70s.?
Totoy, whose legacy includes leading the legendary Canlubang Sugar Barons of Calamba dominate the local baseball scene by winning all here was to win in their era, including 11-straight-year in the elite Manila Bay Baseball League, was referring to the baseball-playing family patriarch Julio, a former University of the Philippines standout from Tacloban City who was to become a top notch coach.
Blake caught the fancy of the the California Fil-American sporting community when he marched triumphantly to a rare gold-silver-bronze finishes in the recent 20th World Maccabiah Games held in Israel.
On the way to his sterling performance that earned for him praises from members of the national coaching staff, the younger Tingzon ruled the pommel horse event while nearly dominated, too, the floor exercises where he ended up third, losing only to local bets.
His silver medal harvest came in the team event.
He was actually already making waves in the Bay Area by winning gymnastic competitions after competitions that earned for him the right to hone up his skills at the Gymnastics USA training facilities in Van Huys, CA, thus, graduating to a level 10 gymnast and eventually chosen as member of the six-man U.S team to the Israel sojourn.
Totoy disclosed that his grandson is looking forward to continuing his gymnastics career and hope to see action in the Olympic Games as a member of the U.S or Philippine team.
?Bakit hindi? Mas maganda nga if he can carry the country?s flag in future international competitions. He can probably apply for a dual citizenhip to attain that dream. Sabi ko nga nasa dugo nya ang pagiging atleta so hindi masyadong magiging mahirap sa kanya,? the elder Tingzon averred.
?I just told him to pursue and finish a college degree. Contrary to what many believe, gymnastics is dangerous sport. One false move, maaring mabali ang buto nya at tapos athletic career nya,? he said, adding that Blake?s eight-year-old younger sister has also started training to follow in her brother?s footstep.
?You know, it?s very heart-warming leaning that youngsters like our grandchildren have involved themselves in sports like us their elders. Sports talaga ang buhay naming. Nakapag-aral kami because athletic scholarhips. My brothers and sisters have all been in the U. S. after their studies,? Totoy stressed.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
SCHOFIELD VS. TELLEZ GIRON FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 01 Nov 2024WEIGHTS FROM ORLANDO FLORIDA
Fri, 01 Nov 2024Team USA Sends Five Boxers to the World Boxing U19 Championship Finals and a Chance at Gold
Fri, 01 Nov 2024Press Conference Notes: Robson Conceição and O'Shaquie Foster Promise to Settle Rivalry in Saturday's World Title Rematch
Fri, 01 Nov 2024Undefeated bantamweight prospect Dominique “Dimes” Crowder Ready to cash in on The Boardwalk
Fri, 01 Nov 2024Kevin Arquero rules 3rd Fide Master Angelito Z. Camer Rapid Chess Tournament
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 31 Oct 2024Plania stops Julio in 3rd round
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 31 Oct 2024MARIO "EL AZTECA" BARRIOS MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES
Thu, 31 Oct 2024Mama fails to win WBO NABO fly
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 31 Oct 2024Top Rank Presents Junior Lightweight World Championship: Robson Conceição vs. O'Shaquie Foster 2
Thu, 31 Oct 2024Membership of World Boxing rises to 51 National Federations after it approves applications from seven more countries
Thu, 31 Oct 2024Malik Scott in Zurdo Ramirez’ corner
Thu, 31 Oct 2024GM Daniel Quizon favorite in the Kamatyas Rapid Open chess tournament in Isabela
Thu, 31 Oct 2024Filipino Boxers Ready for Thrilling Action in Thailand (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Wed, 30 Oct 2024Kamatyas Rapid Open chess tournament goes to Isabela
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 30 Oct 2024