Friday, November 16, 2007 Junio, boy wonder, eyes Olympic gold
AFTER swimming 10 kilometers from Hilutungan to Barangay Marigondon Lapu-Lapu City the Junios, Air Force Col. Florencio Junio and Velina, are setting higher goals for their son.
The father of the six-year-old swimming phenomenon, Justin, is aiming for the first ever gold medal for the Philippines in the 2020 Olympics when Justin turns 18.
Last year Justin crossed the Mactan channel when he was five, attracting a crowd of curious onlookers.
During the Scoop forum at Baseline Restaurant yesterday, Florencio said they have mapped out a a 15-year training program in preparation for local and international competitions for Justin.
Before the Olympics, they want Justin to join the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Youth Olympics and then 13 years from now, the Olympics.
His son’s entire future seems mapped out already, that Flroencio even has a plan prepared that will keep Justin swimming until he reaches that Olympic gold.
“We already planned about this ahead and we are getting Justin a child psychologist and psychiatrist to help him cope with it psychologically and to keep him doing this. But if Justin changes his mind about swimming then we have no choice. We will not force him to do something that he doesn’t want.”
The University of the Philippines (UP) College of Human Kinetics and Human Education is currently making a special program for Justin’s studies. UP will also most likely give Justin a scholarship.
However, before embarking on their Olympic quest, they have another goal ahead of them.
They are focusing on beating the world record set by Braxton Bilbrey in San Francisco in 2005.
Bilbrey swam the 2.25 kilometer distance from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco Bay.
The family is positive Justin can beat Braxton’s record because he already surpassed him in his previous two swims.
The Junios, however, need financial support to go to San Francisco and attempt this difficult task for the country’s pride.
The Junios need financial assistance for a five-man team for that world record-breaking attempt, which they plan to accomplish next year. (EKA)
