Skier Rabe Philippines flag-bearer in YOG

GANGWON, South Korea – Freestyle skier Laetaz Amihan Rabe will be the Philippines’ flag-bearer during the parade of athletes in the opening ceremony of the fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games on Friday evening that will be held simultaneously at the Gangneung Oval and PyeongChang Dome.

“Her event comes a few days later so she will be very able and available for the flag-bearing chores,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino who arrived here on Wednesday night with his secretary-general Wharton Chan.

The 14-year-old Switzerland-based Filipino will be by her lonesome during the parade of athletes because Peter Groseclose, 16, will be competing in the 1,500 meters in short track of speed skating on Saturday while crosscountry skier Avery Balbanida is arriving on Jan. 25 since his event comes close to the end of the month.

“Her initial reaction when I passed the message that she’s the flag-bearer were her super big eyes, her jaw dropping,” Amihan’s father Ric said. “She’s astounded and she asked how to wave best.”