Deiparine says loud Filipino crowd pushed him to finish hard, win gold

James Deiparine, who ended the Philippines’ decade-long gold medal drought in swimming last Wednesday, said the support of his home crowd pushed him to his golden performance in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

In an interview on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho" on Monday, the Filipino-German swimmer said he was grateful for the support of Filipinos throughout his Southeast Asian Games journey.

“It was amazing, the support that the swim team got. It’s one of the first times I’ve heard a crowd like that when I was swimming,” Deiparine said. “Coming home on the last 25 meters, I could really hear the crowd, and that’s what helped me finish hard.”

Deiparine took the entire 2018 off to heal his knee injury.

When he returned to the pool, he set a new record in the 100-meter breaststroke of the SEA Games after clocking 1:01.46.

FULL COVERAGE: 30th Southeast Asian Games on GMA News Online

The swimmer also thanked the Philippine Swimming Inc. and the Philippine Sports Commission after his victory.

“I’m very grateful for all the support they’ve given and shown. The stands were packed and it was just very exciting and I’ll definitely remember this for the rest of my life.”

Deiparine has set his sights on qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I’m very confident with Philippine swimming. It’s getting back to end the drought of getting a gold medal and I’m excited for the future generation,” he said. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB, GMA News